Objections to Sub-contracting
Page 46
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
ASWING to trunking and problems of maintenance of the fleet were emphasized by Alexander Scott (Contractors), Ltd., of London Road. Glasgow, when they applied for a variation of their A licence to add four rigid and eight articulated vehicles.
Basis of the application was that the existing fleet was overworked, work was being turned away, sub-contracting was unsatisfactory and business of the applicant and of their customers was increasing steadily.
Mr. Scott said that, generally speaking, sub-contractors were available and vehicles were reasonably satisfactory. The real objection to sub-contracting was in the unsatisfactory type of drivers too often involved. To this Mr. Quin said: " I have said I would like specific corn plaints. Sub-contracting is part of the facilities of the industry and must be used."
Mr. Scott agreed and said that adequate evidence could be provided of unsatisfactory staff in sub-contracted vehicles. There had been a marked increase of tonnage out of Glasgow and back-loading had been stepped up to allow increased trunking.
On maintenance, Mr. Scott said that material costs on the current fleet. renewed two years ago, were as high as when they were operating a fleet of old vehicles. In effect, maintenance was at too high a level because of overworking of vehicles.
British Railways and British Road Services objected to the application. The hearing was adjourned.