£1 2 5 Penalty on ioo Charges
Page 37
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
ATAT Bristol, last week, the Western Authority, represented by Mr. R. P. Holloway, prosecuted Messrs. Knee Bros., of Bristol, on 75 summonses for excessive hours of working and 25 for failing to cause to be kept current records. It was submitted that the summonses showed that no precaution had been taken by the defendants. Mr. A. Holder, an inspector attached to the Licensing Authority's staff, alleged that the records were "riddled with irregularities."
• Mr. T. D. Corpe appeared for the defendants and pleaded" not guilty." in cross-examination, he asked Mr. Holder whether the Authority was aware of the difficulty hauliers have in getting their' drivers to keep proper records. The witness agreed that he was, "Then, why," asked Mr. Corpe, '' does he not issue summonses against the drivers as well?" The witness would not answer.
Mr. Holder then said that if the employers found difficulty with their drivers as to their records, they should inform the Licensing Authority, Mr. A. E. Knee alleged that unavoidable delays were experienced 'in awaiting loads. "It is natural," he added, " when a driver is within 3-5 miles of a coffee shop and his 5i• hrs. are up, that he should always make for it, and we cannot stop him." He outlined six precautions which had been taken to ensure observance of the law.
The plea of "not guilty" was later amended to " guilty." 'The defendant was fined £100 and £25 costs.