Local unrecorded runs cost IDS severe warning
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• A Worcestershire haulier and six of its drivers have been given severe warnings at a Birmingham disciplinary inquiry following drivers hours and tachograph convictions.
IDS Transport based at Honeybourne, near Evesham, Gloucestershire was appearing before West Midland Deputy Traffic Commissioner Alan Cattell. The licence is held by Ian Dyer and Derek Simms and the firm specialises in carrying fresh produce.
Michael Carless, for IDS, said the partners had been convicted of 18 offences of failing to produce tachograph records and six of permitting drivers to drive excessive hours. They were initially fined a total of £5,400, but that was reduced to £2,400 on appeal to Worcester Crown Court.
Traffic examin er William Hutchison said when the firm was asked to produce tachograph charts it became clear that a large num ber were missing. Simms had subsequently explained that many of the missing charts were for local produce collect ing journeys where the drivers had not bothered to use a chart. The partners had been surprised so many charts were missing and that hours offences had been detected, said Hutchison. He did not think it had been a deliberate attempt to avoid the regulations.
Simms said the offences occurred during their busiest season just after they had moved premises. The person who had been checking the charts had left because he did not want to move, said Simms, and they had failed to check all the charts. He added that he now personally checked every kilometre covered by every vehicle and there had been no problems since.
Carless maintained that the offences had been very minor.
Cattell warned IDS that if there were further problems more serious action would be taken.