Firm escapes with formal warning after , agreeing to second transport manager
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A FIRM RUNNING 30 vehicles escaped with a formal warning at a disciplinary inquiry when it agreed to nominate a second transport manager to ensure compliance with maintenance standards.
Blackburn-based Barnes & Tipping, which holds a licence for 30 vehicles and 40 trailers, appeared before North WesternTraffic Commissioner Beverley Bell at a St Helens disciplinary inquiry.
The TC questioned why large operators did not nominate more than one transport manager as a matter of best practice. Operators of large fleets with only one nominated transport manager were vulnerable if the person concerned was unable to fulfill his or her function, she added.
Vehicle examiner Stephen Kelsall told the inquiry that in December he had imposed an immediate S-marked prohibition for a brake disc that was cracked through to the ventilation cavity. Several cracks were visible on the nearside front disc, one of which extended from the outer edge to the inner huh. However. the company had made significant improvements in its maintenance systems since March 2004.
Kelsall said he had no undue concern about road safety being jeopardised: intermediate inspections of the discs would solve the problem that had arisen.
Appearing for the company, Jonathan Backhouse said staff had now been instructed to change brake discs as soon as there was any significant heat crack. General manager Alan Holden would he nominated as a transport manager within 28 days in addition to the current transport manager. director John.Wood.
Taking no action other than to issue a formal warning, the TC said she could see that the company was doing everything it could to establish best practice, which was refreshing.