LA accepts improvement steps but suspends three vehicles
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• Three main factors led to the breakdown of the maintenance system for a ninemonth period in 1972 of a Norwich company, the Eastern LA was told on Tuesday. Mr H. E. Robson was hearing evidence against Harford Engineering Co Ltd under Section 69.
A solicitor for the company said that it had an excellent operating record until April 1972. Then, he said, three factors contributed to a disorganization. A major upheaval occurred when the company moved to new premises. The plant hire side of the business was increasing very fast and the company was trying to run down a trailer building business. In the midst of all this activity its highly experienced transport manager died suddenly.
The result was, said the solicitor, that the company which had attracted only 10 GV9s in three years running a fleet of 22 vehicles and 16 trailers suddenly acquired 13 prohibitions in 19 months. It had now settled in at its new premises, taken on a new manager and introduced a new system of maintenance; he was sure this was the end of the company's trouble.
Giving judgment, Mr Robson said the company had frankly admitted its faults. He accepted that it had taken steps to improve matters which he hoped would prove effective. Nevertheless, there was clear evidence of past failing and he felt a penalty should be imposed. The margin of three vehicles and three trailers would be curtailed and three vehicles suspended for two months.