LA POSTPONES SENTENCE
Page 18
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AN EAST ANGLIAN transport firm must wait at least six months before learning the outcome of an action against its 0 licence. At that time a full investigation is to be made into the company.
Mr H. E. Robson, the Eastern Licensing Authority has already warned the firm that a penalty is warranted.
The announcement was made to Derek Cooper. (Transport) Ltd, Freckenham, at a public inquiry in Cambridge on Friday. The reason for the penalty was given on the grounds of poor maintenance.
The inquiry was called to consider revocation, curtailment or suspension of the 0 licence for 30 vehicles and 40 trailers.
Mr Derek G. Cooper, managing director, said he had been working 17 hours a day for a long period, leaving his foreman in charge of the maintenance and to look after the stores. As a result maintenance deteriorated and matters got out of hand.
He said it was quite clear this could not be allowed to go on as the vehicles were attracting prohibitions and it had proved impossible to complete a vehicle replacement programme as suitable vehicles were not available.
To put matters right, a steady increase in staff was planned as the use of commercial garages had not proved satisfactory. A general manager had been appointed to supervise maintenance and an additional fitter engaged bringing the total to six. It was also intended to advertise for a senior man for traffic control.
Mr K. Hall, a DoE vehicle examiner, said he carried out an inspection in July, when five vehicles and three trailers were examined. He issued three delayed prohibitions and one defect notice; but received every cooperation from Mr Cooper.
The Licensing Authority said he was surprised that a large and experienced company had slipped up over a long period. This was despite a warning and there would be a full investigation in six months time.