1-12-08 Ferris Holidays Limited receives hefty fine for drivers' hours offences
Following an investigation carried out by the Western Investigations Team of the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), coach operator Ferris Holidays Limited has been fined to £51,000 for committing severe drivers’ hours offences.
On 3rd October 2008 the company and its 18 drivers pled guilty to the total of 57 drivers’ hours offences committed over a period of two months. The company carried passengers on both national and international journeys.
At sentencing on 27th November 2008, District Judge Manning-Davies fined Ferris Holidays Limited £51,000 and ordered that VOSA’s costs should also be paid in full. The 18 drivers were fined £8,325 in total.
The District Judge said:
“It is a truism to observe that the company and its drivers have an obligation to know and abide by the relevant law. The tachograph is the drivers' bible. If it is not used properly, the whole of the enforcement process is undermined and compromised”.
Alex Fiddes, VOSA’s Chief Operating Officer stated:
“This case highlights VOSA’s determination to target non-compliant operators and drivers who impose a risk on road safety.”
For media enquiries about VOSA, please contact: Zita Easton on 0117 954 2561 or Luke Bigwood on 0117 954 3208. You can also e-mail press@vosa.gov.uk
Page last updated: 05/12/2008