Haulier may sue over inspections
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Ashton-in-Makerfield-based LC Transport is considering legal action against main dealer Polar Ford, which had been responsible for inspecting its lveco Fords, because of the condition they were found to be w.
This was revealed by the company's solicitor, Jonathan Lawton, when it appeared before North Western Traffic Commissioner Beverley Bell at a Leeds disciplinary inquiry. it holds a licence for 13 vehicles and 16 trailers.
Vehicle examiner Stephen Wood said that in May he inspected five vehicles and four trailers, imposing one immediate and two delayed prohibitions. Since a previous public inquiry in January 1999 five immediate and three delayed prohibitions had been imposed on the company's vehicles.
In June the driver of a vehicle stopped in a roadside check appeared to have been interfering with the speed limiter, Wood added.
In reply to Lawton, Wood said he was aware that the driver concerned had been immediately dismissed. He agreed that it would be unusual to expect problems when inspections were being carried out by a main dealer.
Questioned by the IC, Wood said the maintenance facilities had been improved since the beginning of the year. The defects he found raised concerns over the standards of Polar Ford.
Lawton said LC Transport had been acquired by Durham-based Youngs Haulage, which had imposed its own maintenance regime. This was an extremely reputable company, he added, and he could not imagine that the TO would be troubled by LC Transport again.
Transport manager Albert Baggaley said the Ivecos were now maintained by dealers in Liverpool; the other vehicles were maintained by Haydock Commercials and the company's own staff. Following the vehicle examiner's visit a fitter had been dismissed and disciplinary action was being considered against the current fitter.
Taking no action, the TC commented that it was the first time in her short career that she had found it unnecessary even to issue a warning. The company had a pretty awful record, but she accepted there were mitigating circumstances.