Drivers await TC's verdict
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Drivers working for disgraced Dukes Transport from its Stranraer depot have been left in suspense following convictions for falsifying tachograph records. At the end of a two-day Dumfries disciplinary enquiry Scottish Traffic Commissioner Michael Betts reserved his decision.
The 27 drivers, with another 17 based at other Dukes depots, all pleaded guilty to falsifying tachograph charts when they appeared at a series of hearings before Dewsbury magistrates earlier this year,
Thirty-three of the drivers were ordered to pay fines and costs totalling .£14,675; the remaining 11 were sent to Leeds Crown Court for sentence as the magistrates considered that their powers of punishment were insufficient. They were ordered to do between 60 and 100 hours' community service and ordered to pay fines and casts totalling £10,500 (CM 15-21 March, 26 April-2 May and 7-13 June).
The TC commented that he considered tacho falsification to be a very serious offence as it affected road safety.
Appearing for the drivers, Roger CoIledge argued that disciplinary action was not needed to change their conduct, as those changes had already taken place. Pointing out that the offences were committed more than two years ago, he added that they now realised that driver fatigue must be avoided at all costs and that their integrity as professional drivers was at risk.
"These are scared men," he said. "They have already been punished by the courts and they are scared they are going to be punished again."
Colledge said that driver Alexander Nibloe, of Girvan, had felt under pressure to make three trips a week. Nibloe alleged that Dukes knew that he was unable to manage the trips within his legal hours and that he was constantly hounded over the telephone.