iickness led to 'terrible' maintenance record
Page 22
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
HE serious vehicle prohibian record of a family haulage -m was largely due to the ill 3alth of the company's milder. This was claimed at e.eds last week when J. H. ait Transport (York) Ltd )peared before the Yorkshire icensing Authority, Mr R. S. hornton.
The company, which held an licence for 23 vehicles and 5 trailers, was called to ublic inquiry in the light of me vehicle prohibitions since 73.
A .report from a consultant hysician indicated that there ad been a rapid deterioration the health of the firm's Dunder and former managing irector Mr J. H. Tait. Mr 'aits' son, Mr Barry Tait, had iken over as managing direc tor in August 1974.
In evidence, Mr Barry Tait said his father had the sole responsibility for maintenance and fleet replacement. The effects of his ill health, which included lapses of memory, became apparent in early 1974.
Since August, he had reduced the operational fleet to 16 vehicles and virtually stopped night operations. This, together with a policy of disposing of the older vehicles and the purchasing of a number of new ones, had relieved pressure on the maintenance system and staff.
Asked to comment on the fact that there had been five prohibitions, including four immediates, since August, Mr Tait said the maintenance situation had been in such a terrible state that it could not be altered within a short time. He felt that they had only now just got on top of the job.
Curtailing the licence by five vehicles, Mr Thornton said he had been impresed with the evidence given by Mr Barry Tait, and in the circumstances he did not feel there was any necessity to impose a penalty that would have an effect on the company's present business.