'Records in name only'
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• A Birmingham owner-operator who had no proper maintenance facilities whatsoever had been "keeping maintenance records in name only".
This was said by DoE vehicle examiner Mr A. E. Perry at a public inquiry in Birmingham last week when the operator, Mr D. O'Rourke, trading as K. R. Frampton Ltd, was called before the deputy West Midland LA, Mr I, Shuffiebotham, under Section 69. An application to vary the conditions of Mr O'Rourke's licence by replacing one of the two vehicles specified was also being considered.
The deputy LA had heard that Mr Perry had carried out the inspection of the maintenance arrangements, facilities, and vehicles, one of which was engaged on permanent site work, operated by Mr O'Rourke on February 17 of this year.
The premises and maintenance facilities, he said, were inadequate in that they consisted only of a dirt, brick and ash surfaced yard surrounded by corrugated iron shacks. Other than small handtools no maintenance equipment was available.
In defence of his licence, Mr O'Rourke said that he was no longer using the base for maintenance work but merely as a parking area. Monthly maintenance inspection and necessary repairs were now carried out by a local garage.
After hearing the evidence the deputy LA said he was prepared to show a certain amount of leniency. He granted the application to replace the vehicle operated on the highway but suspended until August 1.