Blyth firm’s repute tarnished over maintenance and safety standards 01 October 2013

A Johnston & Sons has had its HGV licence curtailed by the region's deputy traffic commissioner, after she concluded that its director had "no real insight" into his responsibilities as an operator.

Elizabeth Perrett's decision follows a report that vehicles and trailers operated by the Blyth-based coal transport firm had failed government safety checks on 17 occasions between May 2012 and April 2013.

Some of the defects related to brakes, suspension and tyres, with one instance where a wheel failure was imminent. A VOSA examiner, who carried out an investigation in December 2012, also reported issues ranging from repairs to vehicle defects not always recorded to vehicles past their due dates for safety inspections.

The examiner also noted the company's MOT record was poor, with a failure rate higher than the national average. A prohibition notice was also issued to one of the firm's vehicles during the visit, when the VOSA officer found a defect.

Miss Perrett's decision means that the company now has to stop using three of its vehicles and trailers indefinitely. The company's 'O' licence previously covered 10 vehicles and 10 trailers.

She told sole director Richard Dods that his business needed a root and branch review – but this could not happen, if he was struggling to run more than seven vehicles.

"I explained to Mr Dods that the undertakings on his licence were promises as to how the fleet would be run and he appeared to understand it was he who had the final responsibility," she remarks. "He should involve himself in the way the operation is run to a much greater extent."

Recording a formal warning on the company's licence, Perrett said she could not rule out far more serious action against the business, if things did not improve. A review of the curtailment would take place when she received another independent audit report.

The company's good repute has been severely tarnished as a result of the inquiry, she says.

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Department for Transport

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