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A Shrewsbury lorry driver faces a possible prison term for

26th April 2001, Page 19
26th April 2001
Page 19
Page 19, 26th April 2001 — A Shrewsbury lorry driver faces a possible prison term for
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

the falsification of tachograph records after Wrexham magistrates decided that their powers of punishment were insufficient, The magistrates committed Simon Highfield to Mold Crown Court for sentence after ha pleaded guilty to 14 offences of falsification, 14 of using a vehicle with a faulty speed limiter, four of taking insufficient daily rest and three of exceeding the daily driving limit.

Prosecuting for the Vehicle Inspectorate, David James said that an artic belonging to Woodways Services of Scratchwood Services and driven by Highfield, was stopped in a routine check.

It appeared that the vehicle had been driven when the limiter was not controlling its speed, with speeds of up to 100km/h being recorded, James added. When the dashboard was examined a red insulated wire had been introduced into the cigarette lighter and was linked to the speed limiter system.

"The speed limiter, in the vernacular, had been 'earthed out'," James told the court

Subsequently 73 tachograph records were obtained in Highfield's name and the 'ghost names' of James Coles and Andrew Verity. He had also entered incorrect starting and finishing points. NightieId had admitted he had done this out of a desire to get home.

"Other deceit to hide potential hours offences included altering the amount of rest recorded and disparities in distances between the odometer readings and the distance traces," said James.

For Highfield, Jane Morris said that he had not appreciated the seriousness of the offences at the time. He now understood the risk he had put other road users to. Highfield was required to make five return journeys a week, she explained. If he did not finish by Friday evening he would have to work into the weekend which was the only

time he could see his two daughters. Highfield had given up his job as a result of these proceedings. He had been driving lorries since 1997 and this was the first time he had been involved in anything of this nature.

The magistrates granted Highfield unconditional bail.


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