Tuffnells Parcels Express drivers admit tachograph falsification

The MD of Tuffnells Parcels Express has said the company takes any instances of non-compliance with the drivers’ hours rules very seriously after three of its drivers admitted falsifying tachograph records.

Drivers Arkadiusz Jerzy Baranowski, Graham Andrews and Gary James Edginton were prosecuted following a DVSA investigation into alleged offences at the operator’s depot in Cullompton, Devon.

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 must also pay £2,000 in costs.

Edginton, from Axminster, received a £440 fine with £550 in costs for four offences of keeping false records.

Andrews, of Tiverton, was given a £253 fine with £250 in costs for one offence of keeping false records of hours driven.The drivers were sentenced at Exeter Crown Court on 19 December after pleading guilty at a hearing on 21 November.

Chris Ward, MD at Tuffnells Parcels Express told Motortransport.co.uk: "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."

A DVSA spokesman said that its case against Tuffnells Parcels Express has been referred to the traffic commissioner.

Andy Rice, the DVSA’s head of counter fraud and investigations, said: "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."