Licence cut by 25%
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A Lancashire company which received three immediate prohibitions in its first nine months had its licence reduced by 25% at a Leeds disciplinary inquiry. Leigh-based Joe O'Connell Plant Hire, with a licence for four vehicles, was called before North Western Deputy Traffic Commissioner Brian Horner.
Vehicle examiner Graham Brock had carried out a maintenance investigation in October. Two vehicles were given immediate prohibitions for significant maintenance failures. Wheelnuts were loose on two vehicles and the other vehicle had broken spring leaves, a defective tyre, load sensing valve arid steering. Few defects were recorded on the inspection records, which were often not fully completed. Drivers were not carrying out daily checks and there was no written drivers' defect reporting system, In June one of the vehides received an immediate prohibition for brake defects and a loose wheelnut For the company, Ben MacKenzie said it was accepted the maintenance was satisfactory. Systems were being introduced and a commercial garage was to carry out audit checks every second inspection.
Managing director Joe O'Connell said the vehicles were engaged on rough work on and off tips, and defects could arise between periodic inspections. He agreed the company had got off to a very bad start for a new operator.
Cutting the licence to three vehicles, the Deputy IC said a further maintenance investigation should be made at the beginning of June. He warned that the licence would be at risk if that proved unsatisfactory.