Tacho fiddling driver sent to prison for eight months

A truck driver who on one occasion drove for 24 hours without a proper rest, has been sentenced to eight months in prison for 79 offences of creating false driving hours records.

Ipswich Crown Court was told how Jasvinder Arora, from Feltham, who traded as Ocean Xpress Logistics, was involved in general haulage in and out of the port of Felixstowe in Suffolk.

A Vosa investigation discovered that on one occasion, Arora drove for 24 hours without proper rest, while on another he had driven continuously for 18 hours. Arora created a false name to make it appear as though someone else had been driving, and also removed the tachograph chart. He pleaded guilty to 79 offences of creating false driving hours records.

Sentencing, His Honour Judge Goodin told Arora that a truck could be a “lethal weapon” in the hands of a tired driver: “The regulations ensure public safety and a level playing field. Despite being stopped and having a warning given to you by Vosa officers you still continued driving and committing offences.”

Geoff Dunning, Road Haulage Association chief executive, says those who commit such offences are putting lives at risk and undermining the livelihoods of drivers who comply with the law.

He adds: “As far as this particular case is concerned, a few extra hours on the road has cost this driver eight months in prison. This case must be used as an example and a deterrent to anyone even considering such action.”

Heather Crucikshank, operations director at Vosa, says: “Tired drivers are dangerous drivers. Not taking enough rest can lead to serious accidents and that is why driver’s hour’s rules are in place – to protect road users. This case highlights the serious consequences of breaching drivers’ hour’s regulations.”