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Fines for contravening EEC regs reduced
Page 44
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ALTHCiUGH in appeal against drivers' hours and records convictions under the EEC Regulations, by a Yorkshire lorry driver, failed at Wakefield Crown Court last Friday, the fines imposed were reduced.
James Crowther, Oldbank Road, Mirfield, near Huddersfield, had been convicted in May by Dewsbury magistrates on a number of offences contrary to EEC Regulation -543, involving excessive hours, making false entries, failing to have sufficient rest and driving beyond 450km, unaccompanied or relieved. He was fined £20 on each, a total of £140.
Judge George H. Scott QC was told that an artic driven by Crowther had been seen by a traffic examiner passing the Medway service area on the M2, travelling from Dover towards London, at about 3.30am. His driver's records showed he should not have reached that point until 6arn. Appearing for himself, Mr Crowther said he had driven the vehicle on and off the Ostend to Dover Ferry during his "rest period" and had altered his records as he did not fully understand them.
Dealing with the offence concerning distance, Mr Crowther said the reason he had travelled 339 miles in England instead of the permitted 281, was because he had used the vehicle to collect diesel fuel the previous day.
Questioned by Judge Scott, Mr Crowther admitted that he just did not understand the regulations and that he had invented the figures shown on his driver's records.
Judge Scott dismissed the appeal against conviction, but reduced the fines imposed by the magistrates to £5 on each offence, a total of £35. He also ordered Mr Crowther to pay £35 costs.