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Coach operators have fleet cut by half
Page 46
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• The Watford coach operators who carried mentally retarded children in a coach with a missing window and other children in a coach that was under immediate prohibition (CM March 13) have had the licences in respect of three of their six-coach fleet suspended.
This is the decision of Mr W. M. Levitt, deputy chairman of the Metropolitan Traffic Commissioners, following a Section 127(7) public inquiry into the maintenance of Hardy Coaches.
Mr Levitt delayed his decision until now so that an application by W. and A. Hardy, the proprietors, to the local council for land on which to base and maintain the vehicles had been heard. Miss E. Havers, appearing at the inquiry on Hardy's behalf, had said that the application would almost certainly be successful. However, although acknowledging that there had been correspondence between Hardy's solicitors and his office, Mr Levitt found there was still no evidence of the provision of proper vehicle accommodation or maintenance facilities.
"I am of the opinion that these operators ought not to be allowed to carry on a six-vehicle bus undertaking without proper accommodation with, at least, full under-vehicle inspection facilities under cover," said Mr Levitt. He felt this view was supported by the fact that a vehicle recertification following the inquiry had had to be deferred because of a "number of defects", showing "general signs of neglect". "The position' is, therefore, no better than it was at the date of the hearing."
The suspensions will not take effect until the end of July, in order to allow W. and A. Hardy to meet forward contractual arrangements and will remain in force until the required conditions have been met. If this can be achieved by the end of July, then the suspensions will not take effect.
Anti-theft devices
• Consultations are in progress with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders on the fitting of anti-theft devices to commercial vehicles—Mr Elystan Morgan, Under Secretary at the Home Office.