News

MA Rees & Sons (UK) has had its licence cut by a further one-third after losing five vehicles two years ago. North western traffic commissioner Beverley Bell cut the licence to 10 vehicles from 15. She ordered the licence would be suspended unless a full safety check by Daf agents and clearance by Vosa, to be done within seven days, ruled the remaining vehicles fit and serviceable. The Cardiff-based firm was called before Bell because of a poor maintenance record and the use of contaminated  fuel.

Director Carl Courtney said he joined in late 2006 after investing £180,000. He said new maintenance systems were in place, but accepted that in the past customer service has taken priority over O-licensing compliance. He agreed there had been no CPC holder for some time, but one had now been appointed. The fuel problem had been a strain and the company had paid £52,000 to release vehicles seized by Customs and Excise, with one vehicle left for release. It was heard that since an unsatisfactory maintenance investigation in February there had been only one prohibition notice.