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A shower of tack) problem
Page 31
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AYRSHIRE INTERNATIONAL haulier P&C Hamilton and four of its drivers have appeared before a Dumfries disciplinary inquiry to answer for a series of alleged hours offences.
Traffic examiner Joseph Logan said an analysis of 1.038 tachograph charts for March and April 2002 revealed a total of 100 offences, including taking insufficient breaks and rest and exceeding the daily driving limit.
There were small gaps of unrecorded mileage, four instances of power interruptions and on one occasion a ferry crossing had not been recorded. Charts had been inserted in the tachograph the wrong way without any manual record being kept. There were also five traces showing illegal speeds.
In reply to Michael Whiteford, appearing for the Girvan-based firm, Logan agreed that there were no missing charts and no substantial missing mileage.
He was aware that the firm had since issued its drivers with hand held chart analysers; that the cabs were now equipped with electronic timers; and that the drivers had received training in the drivers' hours rules.
Partner Philip Hamilton said the firm had been in business for 21 years. In 1996 it was named Scottish European haulier of the year in the Motor Transport awards.
He stressed that in the vast majority of cases drivers had only been two minutes short of the legal break. In some of the cases involving breaks and daily driving limit the charts indicated traffic congestion.
Sometimes drivers had used their tractors to go for a meal or a shower without recording it. They had now been instructed to put a chart in the tachograph in such cases.
No incentive Hamilton produced a letter from Lex Commercials stating that when microwave ovens were switched on, the engine should be run to avoid draining the batteries which could cause a full-scale deflection.
He pointed out that there was no incentive for drivers to go over their hours limits as they were salaried. Most of their jobs could be comfortably achieved in a nine-hour driving day. There were problems in finding secure parking places abroad, particularly in Italy One driver had refused to go to Italy since a hijacking incident a few years ago.
Whiteford pointed out that 90% of the charts were in order. He said there was nc the firm of deliberately contravenin — the deficiencies found in their sy been addressed.
ScottishTraffic Commissioner Joa to announce her decision in writing.'