An HGV driver who crashed into a house in Harlow, narrowly missing sleeping children, has been banned from the roads for six months.
A police investigation following the incident in the early hours of 17 December last year found that Navarain Singh had flouted drivers’ hours rules and had incorrectly completed tachograph sheets.
The wall the lorry hit was next to where children were sleeping.
Appearing at Southend Magistrates’ Court Singh admitted one count of careless driving and seven counts of failing to use a tachograph recording sheet, and was given nine points on his licence.
He already had three points, so was banned for six months.
In addition, he was fined a total of £1,070, told to pay £100 costs and a £37 victim surcharge.
Adam Pipe, head of roads policing, said: “This collision could very easily have ended in tragedy – either to Navarain Singh himself or someone inside the building he hit.
“There are strict regulations which set out how many hours lorry drivers can drive over a set period of time and it is clear from our investigation that Singh had completely ignored these in the fortnight before the collision.
“It’s so important these regulations are adhered to because they’re there to keep people safe.
“I hope this acts as a reminder to all drivers about the need to stick to the rules of the road.”
