Operator's fleet cut by third
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• A prohibition issued against Mr James G. Thomas in May this year was the fault of the driver, South Wales deputy LA, Mr C. Hugh James, heard last week.
Mr Thomas, who is licensed for six vehicles, was before the deputy LA for incurring two GV9s, the other in September 1972. He was also making application for a further vehicle.
Dealing with the GV9 issued in May, Mr Thomas said that the handbrake was not releasing. There had been trouble with the brake, but the manufacturers did not appear to know the answer, he said.
He added that the defective tyre found, was a remould which had "gone in the wall of the tyre within a week of purchase". The inoperative windscreen washers were due to the lack of water in the bottle.
Mr Thomas said that the driver was instructed to report any defects and defect books were issued for this purpose. The drivers were supposed to see these things. "This was definitely the driver's fault," Mr Thomas said.
Moving on to the application, Mr Thomas explained that extra business had come along. About 70 per cent of the work was in timber, the remainder was in building materials and farm feeds.
He pointed out that during a recent annual test, all his vehicles had passed. He assured the LA that he would inspect the lorries and added that he had already bought some land. If planning permission were granted, then he would be able to carry out his own maintenance.
The deputy LA removed two vehicles for a fortnight from the licence.