News

A Cornish haulier has had its licence cut from 12 vehicles to 6 for six months because of serious maintenance problems.

A Bristol disciplinary inquiry heard that Looe-based Stephen Wills, who trades as Steve Wills Haulage, had been issued with 14 prohibitions between November 2005 and July 2006. Vehicle examiner Andrew Honey conducted a maintenance investigation in July 2006 and imposed two immediate and three delayed prohibitions - five for tyre or brake defects. He said there did not  appear to be a proper system for ensuring that safety inspections were carried out or records kept.

Five months later Honey discovered that four further immediate prohibitions had been issued, one of which was endorsed 'S'. Transport consultant David Cocks said proper arrangements were now in place and maintenance would be contracted out to a commercial garage.

Western traffic commissioner Philip Brown said he could have revoked the licence but as Wills had never been called to a public inquiry before he would give the company another chance to comply with statutory requirements.

In one case the brakes were maladjusted and in another there was a seriously deflated tyre. One vehicle had been involved in an accident and in another incident a semi-trailer had become detached from the tractor.

Brown requested a follow-up investigation before the end of October.