Truck driver on phone Loses his HGV licence
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TC tells driver his personal I circumstances are no excuse for disregarding the law.
A DRIVER WHO TOLD a traffic commissioner he failed to buy a hands-free phone kit because he needed the money to pay for his mother's funeral has been disqualified from holding an HGV licence.
A driver conduct hearing in Bristol on 22 June heard how Anthony Edward Smith received three penalty points and a fine for using a mobile phone while driving a truck in February 2008. as well as the same penalty for using a mobile phone while driving a truck in April 2010.
Smith told Western area deputy traffic commissioner Lester Maddrell that at least one of the mobile phone offences occurred because he wanted to pay for his mother's funeral and did not buy the hands-free equipment for his cab.
On one occasion. Smith carried on talking on his mobile to his father while he was driving his truck. According to Smith. the conversation had been "more important" than pulling over to the side of the road.
Smith also received three penalty points for speeding in a car in April 2007 and the same penalty for failing to comply with a traffic light while driving a car in December 2009.
In a written decision, the TC said he realised that the loss of the licence would mean financial disaster for Smith. hut that he had shown "no regardfor the rules. "His personal circumstances are not relevant to the decision I have to make." Maddrell added.
"Such persistent and willful disregard for the law is incompatible with the responsibilities of holding a licence. This man is a danger to the public."
A TC revoked Smith's vocational entitlement and ordered he be disqualified until he retakes and passes an appropriate vocational driving test.