Licence axed for tacho fiddling
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DUMFRIES OPERATOR Scott Trawlers has had its O-licence revoked following a VOSA investigation that uncovered tacho falsification.
In a written decision, following a public inquiry in November, traffic commissioner (TC) for Scotland Joan Aitken also suspended the O-licence of Southwest Marine – a business run by the same sole director and transport manager Andrew Scott – for one week in January, and restricted the licence to four vehicles.
VOSA began an investigation into the firms in October 2010 after it received intelligence that drivers from the business had pulled wires from the rear of the recording equipment and used magnets. A traffic examiner analysed 234 record sheets and digital data of both operators between July and September 2010. They discovered five instances of falsification of tachograph records, covering insufficient daily rest and exceeding the daily driving limit.
There was no evidence that tachograph equipment had been interfered with or that magnets or wires had been used.
Southwest Marine has since appointed a new transport manager, who has set up a system to ensure compliance.
Aitken also suspended the vocational licences of drivers Charles Bottell and Malcolm McNeill for three weeks, for records falsifications and a daily rest infringement respectively.