VI safety film driver fined
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• In a twist of fate the TDG (UK) driver who starred in the Vehicle Inspectorate's Check it out video on drivers' hours has been fined for falsifying his tachograph records.
Produced by the VI and sponsored by TDG, the video spelt out the dangers of failing to observe the hours and tachograph rules.
George Davies, of Blacon, Chester, pleaded guilty toll offences of falsification before the city's mag Istrates and asked for a further 74 offences to be taken into consideration.
Prosecuting for the VI, David James said that the offences had been committed between the beginning of April and the end of October last year. They all involved the falsification of starting and finishing points of Davies' journeys.
"That would enable him to enhance his pay by claiming overnight allowances," said James. The offences came to fight during an examination of the tachograph records at TDG's Mold premises, he added.
A traffic examiner had noticed that the pattern of driving was totally inconsistent with the road network around the finishing points entered on the charts.
When interviewed, Davies had said that his wife had been severely depressed following family bereavements and he had driven home to be with her. Asked if he had claimed night-out allowances, he had replied; "Yes. It just makes your money up a bit."
For Davies, Richard Thomas said he had been employed by TDG for 34 years and had an excellent driving and employment record. "The offences are part and parcel of a tragic year for Mr Davies and his family," Thomas told the court The magistrates fined Davies £510 With £200 costs.