Traffic Commissioners curtail haulier’s fleet for maintenance failings 09 November 2012

Wisbech operator Heathcliff Haulage has had its O licence cut by four – restricting its operation to 30 vehicles – following its failure to ensure maintenance systems were improved, despite previous visits by VOSA identifying concerns.

At the conclusion of a public inquiry, held in Cambridge on 30 October, Deputy Traffic Commissioner Miles Dorrington (pictured) ruled that the operator's repute had been tarnished.

Dorrington also secured a number of commitments from the firm towards future compliance, including that it would build and have a new maintenance workshop operational by October 2013.

The inquiry was called to consider an investigation carried out by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA). A vehicle examiner from the enforcement body found that vehicles were overdue routine safety inspections and that future checks had not been planned, as required.

He also noted that: daily vehicle checks carried out by drivers were not recorded; the operator had no underside inspection facilities for vehicles; prohibitions had been issued for defects, including tyre damage; and the company had a poor pass rate at annual test.

Following the vehicle examiner's visit, the Deputy Commissioner heard, a trailer operated by the company was stopped on 27 July 2012 and issued with a safety-critical prohibition notice, prompting a further investigation.

During his second visit, the examiner found the business had implemented changes to its procedures, but concluded that the condition of vehicles had not improved.

In addition to the undertaking on the new workshop facility, Heathcliff Haulage also promised to undertake an external audit of its maintenance systems, arrange for employees to attend accredited workshops, implement a written defect reporting system for drivers and employ a new transport manager.

Author
Brian Tinham

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