Driver mishandled 'travelling bomb'
Page 14
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
A TANKER driver who smashed through a railway level crossing while carrying 23,00(/ gallons of fuel oil was rapped by a judge last week and tined 1:150.
Yorkshireman Brian Ward, New Fornley, Leeds, could easily have caused a major incident, Lincoln Crown Court heard. He admitted driving without due care and attention.
Judge Richard Hutchinson told him: "As a ranker driver you have a duty to take extra special care. Without careful handling these vehicles can be like travelling bombs. You fill very short of normal standards of care and created a very dangerous situation."
He also admitted obstructing the level crossing between Marton and Sturton in Lincolnshire, receiving an additional discharge.
He denied reckless driving and a separate charge of' endangering railway passengers. Both pleas were accepted by the prosecution.
He admitted approaching the level crossing at 60mpli in poor visibility and on a greasy road.