A driver has been jailed for six months for 21 counts of knowingly making a false driver record, deliberately breaching drivers’ hours rules on breaks and rest for his financial gain.
DVSA CEO Gareth Llewellyn says: “We will pursue anyone who commits drivers hours offences to the fullest extent of the law. This sentence sends a clear message – it will not be tolerated.”
Charles Byrne, of Davis Street, Bristol was employed by FB Transport Ltd. When his lorry was stopped by the DVSA, he was using his brother’s tacho card, so he could avoid taking breaks.
Mr Byrne said he had done this “a couple of times” but DVSA analysis showed that he’d used Liam Byrne’s card on 21 occasions between July 2016 and February 2017.
Mr Byrne then admitted to using his brother’s card to conceal repeated drivers’ hours breaches.
Last year 6,637 penalties and £1.4m fines were issued to drivers or operators who violated drivers hours or tachograph rules.
In total 12 people were jailed and 30 had suspended sentences.
