Drivers warned over speeding
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Allegations of persistent speeding led to 14 drivers working for a North Wales firm being hauled before Welsh Traffic Commissioner David Dixon.
The drivers, all with Holyhead-based Gwynedd Transport, were told by the IC that the offences were so serious they called Into question their fitness to continue to hold HGV driving licences. He added that he would be considering the future of the company's 0-licence at a later date.
Vehicle examiner David Collings said an examination of the company's tachograph records showed the drivers concerned had regularly abused the speed limits in Anglesey. Vehicles had also been driven at up to 77mph on downhill stretches of the A55 Expressway between Chester and Bangor, and speed limits had been exceeded on the A41 between Chester and Whitchurch.
He added that the company had taken the matter very seriously. Drivers were sent warning letters and systems were to be put in place to prevent this happening again.
The drivers accepted what they had done was wrong, but claimed their conduct was not bad enough to deserve losing their licences as there was no suggestion they had been driving carelessly or dangerously.
Some of the drivers told the IC they had never been taken to task by their employer for driving at excessive speed, but agreed they had been told to stick to the rules.
The IC Is to announce his decision at a later date.