Suffolk-based directors given suspended sentences for falsifying tachograph records
Company directors fined more than £40,000 for drivers' hours offences.
Following a VOSA investigation, Ian John Trussler, a partner and transport manager; and Kenneth Trussler, a partner of Goldline Taxis and Coaches both received suspended prison sentences for admitting to falsifying tachograph records as far back as 2008, at Ipswich Crown Court on 20 June 2013.
Ian Trussler, 40, of Killick Crescent, Carlton Colville received a 3-month prison sentence, suspended for 2 years and ordered to pay £25,500 costs.
While Kenneth Trussler, 67, of Yarmouth Road, Broome, received a 6-week prison sentence suspended for 2 years and ordered to pay £18,200 costs.
Goldline Taxis and Coaches driver Kerr-Roe pleaded guilty to false driving records and was fined £1,500 with £1,000 costs.
In previous hearings, 3 other drivers were charged with driving offences with fines ranging from £240 to £2,000 and with 2 of them also receiving driving bans for 6 and 12 months.
Alex Fiddes, VOSA’s Operations Director said:
This ruling sends out a clear message to other operators and drivers. There should be no doubt that if you choose to operate illegally there will be serious consequences.
VOSA’s investigators will work diligently and resolutely in order to ensure that people who put other road users at risk are brought to justice.
Notes to editors
VOSA 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
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