02-02-10 Coach company fined large sum for drivers hours offences
A Croydon coach company has been fined £217,500 after being found guilty of abusing drivers’ hours regulations.
Following a ten week investigation by the VOSA Eastern Region investigations team, Coach Operator, EPI Coaches Ltd were found guilty of 63 drivers’ hours offences at Croydon Magistrates Court.
On Monday 25 January 2010 the court imposed a fine of £217,500 and ordered the company to pay VOSA’s costs of £37,065.
EPI Coaches Ltd were initially investigated by VOSA last June in to the apparent abuse of EC drivers’ hours regulations. Multiple offences concerning failure to take adequate rest and other tachograph abuses were found.
The company were offered the opportunity to be interviewed by VOSA several times but failed to attend.
Alex Fiddes Operations Director for VOSA said: “This is a substantial fine and should send a strong message to the Public Service Vehicle industry.
Tired drivers are dangerous drivers. This case really highlights the consequences of breaching drivers’ hours regulations.
VOSA are dedicated to improving road safety and a large proportion of that is ensuring drivers are adhering to the rules set in place.”
Tony Khan, aged 52 was the sole director of EPI Coaches at the time of the court case which was authorised to use 20 vehicles.
The case against eleven drivers who worked for the company has been adjourned until 16 February 2010.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) is responsible for:
- Processing applications for licences to operate lorries and buses and registering bus services
- Operating and administering testing schemes for all vehicles, including the supervision of the MOT testing scheme
- Enforcing the law on vehicles to ensure that they comply with legal standards and regulations
- Enforcing drivers' hours and licensing requirements
- Supporting Traffic Commissioners to help them make informed decisions on operator licensing, vocational drivers and bus registration requirements
- Providing training and advice for commercial operators
- Investigating vehicle accidents, defects and recalls.
For media enquiries about VOSA, please contact
Rachel Hicks on 0117 954 2561 or
Libby Cottingham on 0117 954 3208.
You can also email press@vosa.gov.uk.
Page last updated: 02/02/2010