Too long on the road
Page 27
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THE PRACTICAL problems of keeping in line with drivers' hours regulations were highlighted last week when a Hertfordshire operator and three of its drivers were fined £300 plus costs.
Bishops Stortford-based Biss Brothers appeared before the town's magistrates following summonses in connection with daily driving hours, insufficient daily or weekly rest periods, and failure to ensure that log sheets were handed in.
Solicitor Roland Pelly said that Biss Brothers had an exceptionally good past track record, but the company found that "constantly changing" regulations and the introduction of the tachograph created problems.
Few of the offences involved too much driving, he went on, but delays in the non-driving part of the day led to the late return and hence insufficient daily rest period when followed by an early start the next day.
He instances a private hire job for a cricket team in which the match (or the celebrations afterwards) carried on too long.
"Naturally, the driver is keen to please his passengers and so has to wait for them. In any other walk of life he would be applauded.
For the company, Roger Biss was fined £150 with cost. Three of Biss Brothers' drivers were fined £20, £70 and £60 respectively.