Lancashire lorry driver cleared of any wrongdoing

Date: 28/5/2010

A Lancashire man who drove a tanker with a car stuck to the front of his cab has been cleared of any wrongdoing.

North West Traffic Commissioner Beverley Bell heard how the incident happened when the other vehicle – a Renault Clio – got trapped as it tried to undertake the lorry being driven by John Tomlinson.

His solicitor, Sean Joyce, said Mr Tomlinson cannot offer a reason as to why he did not realise the car was connected to his vehicle.

Mr Joyce remarked: "He was sat high up in the tractor unit, which was extremely well insulated. He simply did not hear anything, see anything or feel anything."

According to Ms Bell, the case has highlighted the dangers associated with blind spots on heavy goods vehicles and she encouraged firms to add close proximity mirrors on older fleet vehicles.

Meanwhile, foreign truckers who carry out illegal domestic haulage work in the UK will now be given a £200 fixed penalty notice.

Posted by Sarah Bailey