Operator promises IC: Fm not playing any more
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A Manchester meat wholesaler who admitted "playing at" its transport business has had its restricted licence cut from four to three vehicles.
Primestock (Manchester) was called before the North Western Deputy TO Patrick Mulvenna at a Wigan disciplinary inquiry. There was concern over maintenance and convictions for drivers hours and speed limiter offences.
Vehicle examiner Ivan Coup said that in July he examined the two vehicles in possession, issuing one with an immediate prohibition for brake defects and a defective exhaust, and the other with a delayed prohibition for an excessive air leak in the braking system.
The vehicles were inspected every six weeks by an outside contractor. The air leak had been noted on the previous inspection record and new parts had been fitted but it was still apparent. It was clear the drivers were not taking full advantage of the defect reporting system.
However, Coup said there had been an improvement since he had last visited the company.
Traffic examiner Gerald Lewis added that since a previous Public Inquiry six months ago, proper systems for controlling the tachograph records had been put in place and charts were being sent for outside analysis.
Cold store and transport manager Leslie King said that its core business was mincing meat. Transport was a learning curve for him and the bulk of the distribution was done by thirdparty hauliers. The company's own vehicles were used as a shuttle service between their depots in Manchester and Pontefract, and for deliveries to small butcher's shops. Since the last Public Inquiry he and the drivers had undergone a day's training.
"Ninety nine per cent of the time have found them to be very good," said King. "If it had been 100% I wouldn't be here now."
The DTC said it was disappointing that two months after the last Public Inquiry two vehicles received prohibitions despite company having had four dn notice of the fleet check.
"I have learnt a hell of a lc the last 12 months," K replied. "I was perhaps play at it before. We are not play at it any more. We are playirq a different set of rules."
The DTC said that he con: ered there had been a rema able improvement in the cc pany's approach to Opera Licensing.