Firm moves back from computer to paper
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Ein A public inquiry has been told that a computerised maintenance and records system proved more trouble than it was worth for a Cardiff haulier. Daniel and Lorna Howell, trading as PCR Contractors of Pentyrch, has since reverted to a paper system.
Vehicle examiner Kevin Gist told a Cardiff disciplinary inquiry he had carried out a fleet check wrth prior notice, and issued one delayed prohibition and two defect notices after examining four vehicles and trailers. Gist concluded that record-keeping problems had coincided with the introduction of a computer.
Apart from a conviction at Pentonville Magistrates Court for using a vehicle in an unfit state, the company had enjoyed a trouble-free 1999; but things started to go awry in 2000.
Daniel Howell said: "We were advised to make a note of when these trailers were off the road. We hadn't been doing this." Referring to the computer, Howell said his wife and sons were good wtth the machine, but he couldn't get to grips with it. 1 think we repaired something that wasn't broken," he added. "I thought it was a forward step, but that hasn't proved to be the case." The problems were exacerbated when Howell's son, a qualified fitter, was off for four months with a broken leg.
The IC curtailed the licence from three vehicles to two for three weeks.