Three Tuffnells Parcels Express drivers prosecuted for tachograph offences

Three drivers have been prosecuted after they admitted falsifying tachograph records, following an investigation into alleged offences at a Tuffnells Parcels Express depot in Cullompton, Devon.

Arkadiusz Jerzy Baranowski, Graham Andrews and Gary James Edginton appeared at Exeter Crown Court last month after DVSA officers investigated alleged breaches of the drivers’ hours regulations at the depot.

Baranowski, of Tiverton, was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for 12 months, after admitting 15 offences of creating false drivers’ hours records and one of failing to keep a proper record. He was also ordered to pay £2,000 in costs.

Andrews, of Tiverton, was fined £253 with £250 in costs for one offence of keeping false records of hours driven.

Edginton, from Axminster, was fined £440 with £550 in costs for four offences of keeping false records.

The drivers were sentenced on 19 December after pleading guilty at a hearing on 21 November.

A DVSA spokesman told Commercialmotor.com that its case against Tuffnells Parcels Express has been submitted to the traffic commissioner for consideration.

Chris Ward, MD at Tuffnells Parcels Express said: "Tuffnells is fully committed to comply with all regulations in regards to drivers hours. We have comprehensive training programmes for our drivers and managers and take any instances of non-compliance extremely seriously. Senior management reviews our legal compliance on a regular basis and we are quick to respond to any shortcomings that come to light and take action to minimise the potential for reoccurrence."

DVSA’s head of counter fraud and investigations, Andy Rice, said: "DVSA's enforcement work is vital in protecting the public from unsafe drivers and vehicles and will continue to be a core activity for us in the future.

"These sentences send a clear message that DVSA will pursue and prosecute any drivers and operators who fail to comply with the rules governing driver records of hours kept."