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Mobile-phone user's licence suspended
Page 23
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A DRIVER FINED for a mobile phone offence has subsequently had his HGV licence suspended for 14 days by North-Western Traffic Commissioner Beverley Bell.
In 2007, Christopher Meagher, of Heysham, had been given a £60 fixed penalty by Dumfries and Galloway Police for using a mobile phone while driving for Laura Ashley on the Gretna to Stranraer Road.
The TC said Meagher's HGV licence had been suspended after he had failed to reply to letters calling him to a public inquiry. He claimed not to have discovered it was suspended until his driving licence was returned by DVLA without the HGV entitlement.
Meagher claimed he had not received any of the letters, saying he had absolutely no idea why.
Meagher said that while driving for Laura Ashley, he did not have a hands-free set. There was a second man in the cab, but out of instinct he picked up the phone when it rang. The phone had been between him and the second man, who was semi-awake. He had only been employed by Laura Ashley for about three months. The manager, Kevin Hughes, had asked him how far they were from Carlisle. Meagher could not say whether Hughes knew he was driving. He claimed the company had not provided instructions about mobile phone use.
Laura Ashley was not required to attend the hearing. The TC said Laura Ashley was an 0-licence holder and she could find out what system the firm had in place to ensure compliance with the mobile phone rules.
After Meagher had said he was currently working for Tuffnells, the TC pointed out that he had been driving without an HGV licence.
Meagher said he had been unaware his licence was suspended.