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Eight driving licences revoked at Ascroft International
Page 31
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THE FALSIFICATION of tachograph records has led to the revocation of LGV driving licences held by two directors of Ascroft International and six drivers. They have also been disqualified from holding such licences for various periods from six months to two years by North-Western DeputyTraffic Commissioner Mark Hinchliffe.
Traffic examiner Timothy Parker told the Deputy TCthe directors ofAscroft International were Graham and Robert Ascroft. In 1999, an investigation into Graham Ascroft, trading as JJB Transport, revealed possible false records which were subsequently said to have been destroyed in a fire. In August 2005, a traffic examiner visited Ascroft International and found a number of possible offences; the following October, a vehicle was checked in Hampshire and tachograph records that appeared to be false were found.
A search warrant was obtained by Lancashire Police and executed in February 2006. Analysis of the tachograph records revealed a number of missing charts and used tachograph charts with no name entered on them. A lot of driver details were missing; it was claimed a former employer had stolen them.
Two vehicles were examined and found to contain interrupter devices. When a third vehicle was examined, it transpired that recent work had been carried out to the tachograph head. The driver claimed a device had been present when he returned the vehicle to the company. All the drivers admitted their vehicles had been fitted with interrupter devices, and a number alleged they had been used either at the behest of, or because of pressure from, the company.
Graham Ascroft was disqualified for 24 months and Robert Ascroft for 15 months. Howard Baxter was disqualified for nine months, Paul Beard for six months, Michael Butterworth for nine months, Malcolm Church for 12 months.Krzysztof Rosochaki for nine months and Alfred Wareham for 12 months.
Summary
UNDER PRESSURE
The disqualification periods reflected the depth of the individuals' involvement and the level of their co-operation, together with recognition that some, though not all, drivers were put under pressure.