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Operators at CM seminar are warned not to text drivers
Page 7
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TEXTING YOUR drivers could jeopardise your 0-licence says Scottish Deputy Traffic Commissioner Richard McFarlane.
At the first CM legal seminar he gave the 50 operators in attendance a stark warning: Such devices pose a significant threat to road safety. Any driver appearing before me who I am satisfied has used a hand-held device while driving an LGV and where have jurisdiction can expect to have his or her licence suspended or revoked."
McFarlane is particularly concerned about drivers texting while driving, because
the consequences are likely to be more significant: "I take this opportunity of putting operators on notice that if they relay instructions to drivers using such devices, then I believe there is an argument available to me that they are aiding and abetting, or causing. or permitting their drivers to commit a road traffic offence and, that being so, I may have to look at their operator's licence."
The legal seminar, held in East Kilbride, was the first of a nationwide series events organised by Commercial Motor and sponsored by ATS Euromaster, In addition to the Deputy TC, delegates were briefed on future road transport legislation by solicitors Backhouse Jones; on health and safety regulation by ATS Euromaster; and on compliance by Phil Flanders, the Road Haulage Association's regional director for Scotland and Northern Ireland.
• Further Commercial MotorLegal Seminars will be held in Coventry on 27 September; in Bristol on 3 October; and in Gatwick on 10 October.
For further details contact the seminar hotline on 020 8399 1184.