Drivers' hours fine hiked
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• A driver who complained about being fined for drivers' hours offences when he was not in court, had his fine increased when the case was reheard by Oswestry Magistrates.
Peter Jones, of Idirfa Pdwfadog, Llangollen, admitted exceeding 41/2 hours driving without taking a break; driving more than nine hours a day; and taking insufficient daily and weekly rest. His employer, P & H Haulage of Morda, Oswestry, admitted permitting the offences.
At the earlier hearing, Jones was fined £600, plus .275 costs, and the company £1,000 with i!50 costs (CM 14-20 December 1989).
Jones subsequently maintained he had sat outside the court and his case had not been called, so magistrates set aside the decision and listed the case for rehearing.
Prosecuting, Patrick McKnight said Jones' vehicle was spot checked and, although his chart was in order, except that he had not entered his name, he was unable to produce charts for the previous days, saying they had been handed in to the company. When found, the charts revealed a number of offences.
On a French job, Jones should have taken a rest period on the Continent, but came home on his rest day. He also started another international journey without taking a rest period. McKnight said the company had failed to keep proper control. It sent a warning letter to Jones for failing to put his name on his tachograph chart, but did not pick up the more serious offences.
Magistrates fined Jones 21,000 plus i!75 costs. The company's fine stayed the same after the rehearing.