Party-work hours convictions
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• J. Abbott and Sons (Blackpool) and two of its drivers pleaded guilty to hours offences at Blackpool magistrates' court on VVednesday. Herbert Crossley and Thomas Davies were charged with two and four offences, respectively, of driving a public service vehicle without having the proper hours for rest, and the company was charged with permitting the offences. The magistrates gave unconditional discharges to the employees but fined Abbott £1 on each charge with £3 3s advocate's fee.
Prosecuting, Mr. D. W. Fazackerley said the two drivers had failed to take the required 10 consecutive hours of rest in 24.
On behalf of all the defendants Mr. R. 0. Sutton said it was very difficult for operators and drivers on private party work. Not only was time spent working away from the vehicle counted as driving, but rest taken on the vehicle or where reasonable facilities were not provided was not deemed to constitute a rest period. Due to staff shortages in August and September the drivers cleaned the coaches on their return and such work was included in their driving hours. They had not been hunched over the wheel, becoming drowsy and a danger to the public. None of the defendants had had any previous convictions and the company attached no blame to its employees, said Mr. Sutton.