VOSA fines operator under working hour rules

Operators are being warned to keep up-to-date with driving hours regulations following the prosecution of a large coach company.

The company based in Croydon 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 is 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 continues.