Sutton 8c, Son hit for maintenance
Page 6
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• Leading Hazchem haulier Sutton & Son (St Helens) has had its licence slashed by 45 vehicles because of continuing maintenance problems.
Last December the Widnes-based company had its licence cut from 245 vehicles and 400 trailers to 245 vehicles and 275 trailers because of concerns about its prohibition history (CM 23 Dec 1999-12 Jan 2000).
Vehicle examiner David Collings told North Western TC Beverley Belt that in July he examined 15 vehicles and 19 trailers, imposing two immediate and four delayed prohibitions. He saw an artic tanker enter the premises carrying an extremely hazardous substance. The air suspension bellows were deflated, and one of the tyres had rubbed through the plastic wheel arch.
-Five immediate and 18 delayed prohibitions have
been issued to the company's vehicles since the last public inquiry when the importance of improving vehicle maintenance practices to avoid future road safety concerns was stressed," said Collings.
Sutton's chief executive Andrew Callaghan said the management structure had been completely changed since he was appointed at the beginning of the year. Pointing out that it was a reduction in vehicle spare capacity only as Suttons was operating 182 vehicles, Callaghan concluded: "It does not affect us as a business, and if we win new business I will be happy to apply for additional vehicles. It gives us sufficient time to improve in the areas we need to improve."