Driver broke rest requirements to get home to his animals

Driver broke rest requirements to get home to his sister and his animals


A LORRY driver who was charged with driving his vehicle without sufficient rest did so in order for him to return to his farm and tend to his animals, a sitting of Ballina District Court heard.
Thomas Doherty of Carrowcushlaun, Ballina, was fined €250 after pleading guilty to failing to take daily rest on two dates in 2011. State Solicitor, Vincent Deane explained that Mr Doherty was stopped at a checkpoint in Co Meath and the offences were detected after his tachograph was inspected.
Mr Deane said a driver was supposed to take a 45 minute break for every four and a half hours driving, and Mr Doherty did not take a break. Mr Doherty’s employer told the transport officer that he transports wood shavings from Longford to Dublin. The employer said he did not want Mr Dogherty to return to Ballina, as the diesel costs would be more than a stay overnight in Longford.
Mr Michael Bohan, solicitor for Mr Doherty said his client was a valued employee and accepted he did not take a break. He said he lived within 600 metres of his employer’s premises and that he was anxious to return home to tend to his small farm. He added that his sister, who works in Ballina and stays with him during the week, feels unsafe on her own in the town.
Mr Bohan added that Mr Doherty had changed his vehicle and it now has a beeping system to warn him to stop if he goes over the time. He added that Mr Doherty had also received a stern warning from his employer. Mr Deane said Mr Doherty had co-operated with the transport officials.
Judge Mary Devins fined Mr Doherty €250.