Records mistakes led to £260 fines
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EIGHT drivers of Turners (Soham) Ltd, charged with obliterating records and failing to make proper entries were ordered to pay fines and costs totalling £260.
The eighth driver, no longer in the company's employ, also pleaded guilty to exceeding five and a half hours duty.
In mitigation, Keith Flatman, for the seven company drivers, pleaded that a feature of the case was the long experience of the drivers, all of whom were responsible men of good character. Only one had a previous offence concerning records against him. The offences took place during the summer of 1976, said Mr Flatman. By the time he was able to interview the drivers they could offer no explanation other than simple mistakes or failures to fully understand the procedure for correcting entries made in error.
There was no suggestion, by the prosecution, that the drivers had deliberately set out to flout the law, or to cause danger by working in excess of permitted hours. In every case the records had been countersigned by Turner's transport manager. Mr Flatman added, "a transport manager of a 37-vehic1e company who goes on all the courses should know the law." But it was not the company which was before the magistrates.
The offences took place during the time of the old record sheet system which many drivers found complex and confusing. The Continental type, now in use, should prove easier to use and comply with.
Each driver was fined £10 on each summons and ordered to pay £5 costs. Totals: S. G. Chenery £45; P. Aylward £45; D. Pollard £35; B. Squire £35; W. Hunter £25; G. Jones £25; R. Woodcock £25; and G. Covell £25.