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Paul Arthurtor Owner Paul Arthurton Transport
Page 37
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Attleborough, Norfolk
Last summer, Arthurton's initial verdict was that the scheme was a good idea, but he did voice concerns that paying up would automatically be seen as an admission of guilt, rather than as a question of expediency for a driver eager to get back on the road as soon as possible.
These worries are still with him.
"It makes me wonder if there needs to be a deferred period before payment is made," he says.
"It would give the driver a chance to get back to the yard, talk to his bosses and weigh up the situation.
"He'd also have a chance to talk to a lawyer and see if it's worth fighting.
"Maybe a driver should be given 14 days to pay up, or the value of the fine is doubled."
Arthurton admits this would pose problems dealing with foreign drivers. They would be able to escape conviction, much like they can now.
"'It needs to be a different system for them. If they cannot pay, they must be able to nominate someone who can pay on their behalf. Then, if they successfully challenge it, the person in the UK gets their money back."