Woman coach owner loses p.s.v. licence
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• Buses used by West Wales Coaches on a contract to carry 200 workers to a chicken factory were described as being in a "deplorable and dangerous condition" last Thursday by Mr. Ronald R. Jackson. chairman of the South Wales Traffic Commissioners, at a hearing in Carmarthen.
Revoking the public service vehicle licences held by Mrs. Vivienne Jean Peters, of PwlIdomen, Petnbrey, Carmarthenshire, trading as West Wales Coaches. Mr. Jackson said it was one of the worst cases the Commissioners had considered. Mrs. Peters was called before the Commissioners to show cause whether the p.s.v. licences she held should be suspended or revoked under Section 127 of the Road Traffic Act 1960. Mr. Jackson said they were satisfied that Mrs. Peters was not a fit and proper person to hold p.s.v. licences. They had no hesitation in revoking the licences which were in respect of six buses.
He said: "The operator has been proved quite unsuitable to be a member of the road transport industry." He added that the action taken by the Commissioners would ensure that Mrs. Peters would not be able to hold p.s.v. licences again. Mr. Jackson pointed out that the action they had taken was against Mrs. Peters, but if her husband wished to make an application it would be considered by the Traffic Commissioners. In doing so they would have to consider Mr. Peters' conduct as Mrs. Peters' employee and it was unlikely that his application would be favourably considered.
Mr. J. H. Chard, clerk to the Traffic Commissioners, noted that Mrs. Peters held six p.s.v. licences for buses with seating capacities ranging from 30 to 52. Although she held these licences it was possible that some of the vehicles would not now be operational. "All the vehicles have been a source of concern to the area mechanical engineer regarding their maintenance," he said. "On one vehicle there were no fewer than 13 defects and on another 10 defects."
Mr. Chard also produced details of convictions against Mrs. Peters.
Mr. R. G. Peters, her husband, said his wife who held the licences had been ill for some time. Three of the vehicles involved had been disposed of. Two had been inspected the previous week and found satisfactory, while the third was off the road waiting for a new engine and other spare parts. He said that three other vehicles in use were on hire. The company's vehicles were on private hire to W. and J. B. Eastwood and carried 200 passengers every day to and from this firm's factory at Pembrey.
Mr. Peters said he appreciated that he was involved in a serious state of affairs. One of the major problems which had caused the situation was staff. In a period of a few months 11 fitters had been employed, but they were not efficient and lacked experience. The transport manager and head fitter had been given notice last year.
There were also difficulties, he said, in obtaining spare parts. They had to wait seven months for one part for one vehicle.
Mr. Basil Richards, appearing for West Wales Coaches, told the Commissioners, "I ask you to accept that he has made a genuine effort to put things right. No doubt the administration was not of the standard it should have been and the blame for that is on Mr. and Mrs. Peters. But they have taken on new staff and put their staff in order. Give them credit for that."