Tipperman pulled a fuse
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A Lancashire owner-driver
has to pay £1,900 in fines
and costs for falsifying tachograph records. John Martland, of Scarisbrick, near Southport. pleaded guilty to seven offences of falsification when he appeared before magistrates in Middleton, North Manchester. He was fined £250 on each offence, with £150 costs. Prosecuting for the Vehicle Inspectorate, Stephen Rodgers said Martland was an owner-driver at the wheel of his own 31-tonne Volvo tipper. He had been operating out of Scout Quarry, Edenfield. and not recording all his driving. The motive was to get extra runs in by not taking the required 45minute break after 4.5 hours' driving.
When first asked about the matter
Martland had refused to comment, but he subsequently admitted pulling the fuse on the dates concerned.
Maitland said the quarry was open only from 07:00-17:00hrs, and he had committed the offences to try to get another load in per day. The more loads he did, the more money he earned.
After paying business and housing expenses he had only £40 a week to live on.