An operator can contract out truck maintenance but not responsibility
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A Manchester
fruit and vegetable merchant's licence has been suspended for a week because of maintenance problems.
John Prescott, trading as Prescott Wholesale Fruit 86 Veg, of Swinton, had been called before North Western Deputy Traffic Commissioner Patrick Mulvenna at a Leeds disciplinary inquiry
For Prescott, Paul O'Brien said he had spent a vast amount of money on the maintenance of his two vehicles but had been badly let down by his maintenance contractor. Prescott, who had no mechanical knowledge, had become suspicious and had painted marks on parts due to be changed. When the vehicles returned from the garage the marks were still in place. He had also suspected that parts were taken from his vehicles and used in other customers' vehicles.
Transport consultant Keith Gill said he had been engaged by Prescott to sort the situation out. Outlining the maintenance system now in place, Gill said the maintenance contractor had been changed.
Suspending the licence, the Deputy TC pointed out that though an operator could contract out his maintenance, he could not contract out his responsibility to ensure that his vehicles were kept in a fit and serviceable condition.