Hazardous load driver fined for failing to take an adequate break

A lorry driver who took only a three-hour rest break during an 18-hour journey around England has been fined during a road safety operation in Essex.

The Turkish-registered vehicle had been driven from Dover to Manchester and to the Midlands to collect a hazardous load of chemicals but was stopped at Thurrock as it headed back to the Channel port for a return journey to Istanbul.

The vehicle, which was carrying chemicals used in tyre production, was checked by officers from the Essex Police Commercial Vehicle Unit as part of a national Carriage of Dangerous Goods operation.

Officers found that the driver had driven for a total of 18 hours and 20 minutes with the longest uninterrupted rest break being three hours. The driver admitted breaking strict European hours regulations and was fined £400.

The safety operation was carried out at Thurrock on Thursday, September 6 and a total of 25 vehicles were intercepted by police vehicles and escorted to Moto Services where officers examined paperwork and loads.

A Transit van that was found to be overloaded with bagged sand by 1.5 tons, and was also towing a loaded trailer, was subjected to a prohibition notice until the excess weight was offloaded and a qualified driver found to replace the Transit driver who was not licensed to tow a trailer. Fines totalling £460 were imposed

A number of other offences were detected and fines totalling £1,560 were collected.