Whalley puts brake on Willoughby fleet
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• The number of vehicles authorised on a licence held by Ella Sadler, trading as Willoughby & Sons, has been reduced by half and the licence prematurely terminated so it expires on 9 July 1988, instead of February 1991, by North Eastern Licensing Authority Frederick Whalley.
Maintenance problems had led to Sadler, who operates from Choppington, Northumberland, being called to disciplinary proceedings in Newcastle upon Tyne.
The LA was told that three vehicles were seen during a fleet inspection in April. One vehicle was given an immediate prohibition for brake defects, a delayed prohibition was imposed on a second vehicle, and a third was given a defect notice. In addition maintenance records were found to be unsatisfactory.
The operating centre consisted of a large compound most of which was used as a scrapyard. The vehicles were engaged on rough work and required frequent inspection.
For Sadler, it was said that steps had now been taken to rectify the situation.
In his decision Whalley indicated that he felt some action was necessary as Sadler had clearly failed to keep undertakings with regard to maintenance given when the licence was first granted.