Non-stop trip results in fine
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• A lorry driver drove more than 16 hours without a rest in a bid to hurry home after an argument with his wife over the length of time he was away.
Keith Boulton told West Bromwich Magistrates Court in a letter that he intended staying the night at a bed and breakfast premises but decided to carry on driving instead.
"I had an argument with my wife over the length of time I was away driving and this is the reason I drove home after having to go to Heathrow airport," said Boulton in the letter.
"I took a tablet to try and stop me feeling tired," he explained.
Boulton, of Newton Le Willows, near Warrington, was fined a total of £300 with £65 costs after admitting failing to take 11 hours daily rest in a 24-hour period and two charges of failing to return tachograph record sheets to the employer within 21 days.
His employer, City Air Express (Northern) of Woodhouse, Manchester, was fined a total of £400 with £65 costs after admitting two charges of failing to secure the return of tachograph record sheets within 21 days.
Traffic examiner Malcolm Seward said the offences came to light during inspections of the lorry at a parking site off the M6 at Perry Barr, Birmingham, on 20 March this year.