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Contract clampdown

30th August 1980
Page 6
Page 6, 30th August 1980 — Contract clampdown
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

Keywords : The Garage, Contract

OPERATORS in the Eastern Traffic Area must let the Licensing Authority know about any changes in their maintenance contracts within three weeks. Eastern LA Kenneth Peter is one of few LAs operating this requirement.

The new stipulation took effect at the beginning of last month, as Traffic Area staff felt there was a loophole in the existing system.

A spokesman told CM: "We found that people would tell us that they have a contract for their maintenance to be done by one firm, then, nine months later, we would discover that they had never been to that garage.

He said that it would be some time before the benefits of the new scheme could be reaped, as it would apply only to new applicants for 0-licences. But as most of these come from small own-account companies who tend to have less of a grasp on maintenance requirements, it will be very useful.

Mr Peter is also proposing to use a new proof-of-maintenance form which will be signed by both the operator and the garage. This will replace the present requirement for a letter signed by the garage, in the hope that it is more binding on the two parties.

Mr Peter's requirements are nothing new, but extend control over maintenance at a time when the Government is proposing to sell its 91 heavy goods vehicle testing stations.

The North-western, Scottish, South Wales, West Midland, and Yorkshire areas require similar notification of changes in maintenance contracts. East Midland, South-eastern, and Western do not, and Metropolitan and Northern were unable to comment when CM contacted them.

Yorkshire is the only other area which demands a form similar to that proposed by Mr Peter, although several others want either a letter from the garage or a specimen of the inspections carried out.

But the Scottish Area conceded that it might be better if it did bring its documentation into line with the Eastern and Yorkshire model, as this might be more effective.

The Department of Transport told CM that it has no plans to bring the other areas up to the same standards. Such details of enforcement of 0-licensing are left entirely to the LA's discretion.


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