19-02-04 Powers to stop in London
The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency have successfully prosecuted South Devon based operator Clive Mugford, for drivers hours offences.
Mugford appeared before Totnes Magistrates Court on 8 March for a total of 44 drivers hours offences, 18 of these were for false records. On inspection of the tachograph charts it appeared that over 19,000 Kilometres of journeys were missing. Two previous convictions, one for overloading and another for no driving licence were also cited.
In his defence Mugford said “the tachograph equipment was faulty and that is why it did not record the journeys”. However, the tachograph supplier / manufacturer who appeared in court said that they were in full working order.
The Magistrate said “the offences were committed wilfully, continually and with a blatant disregard for the law”
Clive Mugford who is the driver and operator was convicted for all the matters.
A total penalty including costs of £6,163.49 was awarded against him. The Magistrate added “the case was brought in a just and timely manner therefore the costs were fair”.
NOTES TO EDITORS
The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) was created on 1 April 2003 by merging the Former Vehicle Inspectorate and the Traffic Area Network Division of the Department for Transport. VOSA is responsible for:
- Processing applications for licences to operate lorries and buses and registering bus services
- Operating and administering testing schemes for all vehicles, including the supervision of the MOT testing scheme
- Enforcing the law on vehicles to ensure that they comply with legal standards and regulations
- Enforcing drivers' hours and licensing requirements
- Supporting Traffic Commissioners to help them make informed decisions on operator licensing, vocational drivers and bus registration requirements
- Providing training and advice for commercial operators
- Investigating vehicle accident, defects and recalls.
Should you require further information about VOSA, its work or help with stories or programming related to road safety and environmental protection please contact: Jay Fordham or Miranda Roberts, VOSA, 0117 954 3334/3233, e-mail jeanette.fordham@vosa.gov.uk / miranda.roberts@vosa.gov.uk.
Page last updated: 25/09/2006