Today, we bring you an item from the news that highlights what can happen when driver hours rules are not followed. In addition to the safety implications of not adhering to driver-hour regulations, a restriction in a driver’s ability to work can be impacted, as can be seen in the case of Farid Bhaiyat from Bolton.
As such, failing to follow driver hour rules has led to this HGV driver having his O-Licence suspended for 28 days last year after being called before the Traffic Commissioner (TC) at the time, Gerallt Evans. The offence relates to an occasion in April 2023 when he was driving a minibus and used someone else’s tachograph card in the tachograph machine.
A Weekly Rest Infringement Recorded
At the time of the offence, Mr Bhaiyat was encountered at the London Gateway M1 services by a Metropolitan Police officer when he was the only occupant of the vehicle at the time. Consequently, a weekly rest infringement was recorded, and two higher-level fixed penalties of £300 were issued and accepted.
Subsequently, a Traffic Examiner (TE) conducted an investigation on 17 May of 2023 and found that there was no evidence of any system in place to monitor drivers’ hours, with the tachograph downloader device Mr Bhaiyat was using appearing to be unused. The TC also stated that the TE’s report commented on the fact that the driver had accepted the advice provided during the inspection and was now using his driver’s card for all journeys as he should.
Previous Good Record Prevent Licence Being Revoked
Mr Bhaiyat cited issues in 2022 when having problems switching from an analogue tachograph to a digital device for the first time. Also, due to his good past record, combined with the fact that appropriate procedures and systems were in place to prevent further failings, the TC decided not to revoke his driver’s licence and opted, instead, for suspension.
The driver’s willingness to attend an O-Licence Awareness Training course also played its part in the leniency shown. However, these events have still tarnished his reputation, and he will need to work hard to restore it. As such, this represents a cautionary tale to HGV drivers across the UK, demonstrating the importance of complying with driver-hours rules.
If you’d like to refresh your memory with regard to driver hours rules to ensure you’re operating compliant, be sure to check out our drivers’ hours article that goes into some depth about what’s required from UK HGV drivers.
Helping to Keep Britain’s Roads Safer For All Motorists
Driver hours rules and the guidelines they contain relating to required rest periods exist for a very good reason. They serve to prevent driver fatigue and ensure that safety is maintained for the benefit of everyone who uses Britain’s roads. As such, any operator or driver infringing these rules can expect to be met with harsh penalties that could impact their livelihood.
At HGVC, we’re committed to helping safeguard the future of the UK HGV industry through industry-leading training across our national network training centres. Anyone wanting to discover more about best practices across the whole spectrum of HGV disciplines take a look at our comprehensive knowledge base.
Alternatively, to speak to us about your HGV training needs, simply call 0330 818 8888 or click ‘contact us’ on our website, and we’ll be delighted to help however we’re able to.
