Inquiry deals with wheels
Page 14
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• Research has shown there is no mystery involved in CV wheel loss, though there are people in the industry who suggested there is, said North Eastern Traffic Commissioner Keith Waterworth as he curtailed the licence held by Sheffieldbased A&E Transport from 44 vehicles and 68 trailers by three of each.
In December 1997 one of the company's vehicles lost its rear nearside wheels, damaging a lamp-post and a car.
Barnsley magistrates subsequently fined it £800 with £35 costs for using a vehicle in a dangerous condition.
For the company, Stewart Layle said it had suffered a breakin the evening before the wheel-loss incident and it was thought that vandals might have tampered with the wheels.
The TC commented that the DOT has published a leaflet Careless Torque Costs Lives, which gives advice about wheel fixing. This leaflet points out that research shows there is no mystery to wheel-loss. It also suggests that
records are kept Research shows
of all attention -1 •
to wheels and there is no mystery in fixings, includcommercial vehicle mg which parts
were renewed and when. The TC said he wanted the company to adopt the suggestions contained in that leaflet.
Waterworth accepted the surrender of the licence held by Doncaster Melvyne Day with a formal warning. Day had been called to a Leeds disciplinary inquiry following the issue of prohibition notices in February, June and September for loose wheelnuts and a cracked wheel.
Martin Adams, trading as Martins Coaches, of Sheffield, was also given a formal warning. He appeared before the TC following an incident in August when a wheel fitted to the off-side front of a coach became loose and fell off at Tadcaster.
Consideration of disciplinary action against Seaham, Co Durham-based Gordon Ayre, trading as Poulter Bros Transport, following the issue of a prohibition notice for loose wheelnuts, was adjourned after Ayre was unable to appear as he had been delayed by fog.