Second appearance leads to suspension
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• Ammanford skip-hire operator William Munslow had his Operator's Licence suspended for three days when he made his second appearance in four years at disciplinary proceedings relating to the maintenance of his vehicles.
Vehicle examiner Michael Williams told South Wales Traffic Commissioner David Dixon that an examination of four of Munslow's five vehicles in July had led to two immediate and two delayed prohibitions, one of which was subsequently varied when the vehicle was produced for clearance. One of the prohibitions had been for a significant maintenance failure because the load-sensing valve had been bypassed. The five vehicles Munslow operated needed a high level of maintenance due to their age.
For Munslow, Captain Norman LloydEdwards said the recommendations made by the examiner had now been implemented. It was accepted that the load sensing valve should not have been disconnected. Munslow said he had held an 0-licence for 25 years. The loadsensing valve had been disconnected to increase braking pressure and the person who had done this had since been severely reprimanded.
Suspending the licence, Dixon said that it was an unusual defect which was difficult to comprehend.
However, there had been complacency and the control of the maintenance sys. tern had been slack—these were the same issues that had arisen four years ago.
Directing that the Vehicle Inspectorate should make an investigation before the end of the year, the IC warned of the consequences if there were any further problems.