Brake-free trailers cost dearly
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AN OPERATOR towing trailers with no working brakes has had its licence cut from II vehicles and 11 trailers to six vehicles and six trailers by Welsh Deputy Traffic Commissioner Alan Jenkins.
Riverlea Tractors, based in west Wales, had been delivering silage trailers to farmers but its trucks' braking systems were incompatible with the agricultural vehicles.
Vehicle examiner Neil Thomas told the DTC that he had carried out a maintenance investigation after a vehicle had been discovered towing a silage trailer with which its braking system could not connect.
The stated inspection period of six weeks was not always adhered to, no brake efficiency checks were being carried out and there were no defect report books available to drivers.
Director Michael Hill said the company was involved in delivering farm machinery and customers now collected their own silage trailers.
"I was not aware of all the requirements," he said.
have no excuses." Hill added that the company had now joined the RHA and he was considering taking the CPC examination. Cutting the licence, the DTC said matters had been put right and Hill was now fully aware of his responsibilities.