Q Would you comment on maintenance procedures applicable to p.s.v. and for what period certificates of fitness are issued?
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AThe amount of frequency of maintenance must obviously vary considerably between one operator and another. While many of the larger passenger vehicle operators have been trend-setters in the principle of preventive maintenance to a routine pattern, there has more recently been an alternative trend based on the principle of leaving well alone.
Although some operators overhaul vehicles on a mileage basis and others on a time basis, where stage carriage work is involved the annual mileage of vehicles tends to be so regular that a time or mileage basis in practice amounts to much the same thing.
Certificates of fitness are normally issued to new vehicles for a period of seven years. At the end of that period a thorough examination of a p.s.v. is undertaken and many operators link this seven-year test with a prior and complete overhaul to ensure the vehicle being issued with a further certificate.
In addition to this seven-year examination all public service vehicles are inspected by an MoT examiner once a year. Any certificate may be revoked and the p.s.v. licence suspended if, on inspection, a vehicle is found to be unfit. Provision is made for 48 hours' grace to be allowed for putting right any defects not involving danger to the public.