Rap for 'roadies'
Page 20
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
NI A company specialising in the haulage of lighting and sound equipment to pop concerts throughout Europe has been fined a total of £3,250 at Uxbridge magistrates court.
Audio Store, trading as Stage Truck, of Swallowfield Way, Hayes pleaded guilty to 12 charges of permitting drivers to exceed driving hours and to take insufficient rest. A number of other charges were withdrawn by the prosecution.
Johnathan Corballs, prosecuting, told magistrates that the offences had come to light following a tachograph chart inspection at the company's premises. It appeared that the company was "turning a blind eye" to its drivers working continuously driving from venue to venue.
Counsel for the defence explained: "The company was formed in 1981 and specialises in transporting the equipment required by singers, groups, and the like to performances throughout Eastern and Western Europe. It isn't a 'cowboy operation' and readily admits it's guilty.
"It takes its responsibilities seriously and has a good reputation to safeguard. These are the first offences in nine years of operating. Drivers are now flown out at great expense to double man vehicles on longer journeys."
Mario Hani, of Westmoreland Avenue, Blackpool, pleaded guilty to two charges of failing to take a daily rest.
He was fined 275 on each charge. The four other drivers were on tour in Europe and did not attend court_ They had not notified the court of their pleas.