A bit over the top surely?

I did a one-off safety inspection on a small operator’s vehicle (bus) at the end of the winter because his regular contractor - another operator, was temporarily unable to to do so. Both operators have now changed their freelance CPC holder to the same newly qualified man. The vehicle in question covers an extremely limited annual mileage, being used probably only at the very most three or four times some months and only during March to November. The new TM has picked up on the fact that the inspection frequency has been exceeded twice this year, once between my inspection and one by a second temporary contractor and from that date to now.

This new TM is seriously threatening to report the operator now to the traffic commissioner. This is surely far exceeding his remit, he should be merely writing to the operator pointing out the lapse and asking for a written assurance that measures have been put in place to prevent a recurrence.

Although I had signed it off as being unroadworthy, strangely there has been no mention of this new TM wanting to see proof of reported defects having been rectified at a later date.

let the new TM report to the TC - they will establish if any breach has occurred, there is no remit limits as far as the new TM is concerned he is obliged to report any and all discrepancies he finds (its his duty)

only if you have something to hide you would worry

Yes a bit over the top but the TC will take a strip off anyone who exceeds their agreed maintenance schedules. I know I’ve been there and had the Tshirt !

I am in a similar position whereas my trailers tend to sit for 3 weeks, go on site in somewhere like Paris and sit for another 3 weeks, or go on tour for six weeks, something the TC and DSVA can’t get their head around. My answer was to increase my maintenance schedule to 12 weeks! A simple letter to the simple civil servant in Leeds and all sorted!

Although in this instance I’d be looking for another TM !

I cut my inspections to 4 weekly to give myself breathing space if one goes in a week late.