Magnet cheat lorry drivers 'need harsher punishments'

Date: 13/5/2010

Lorry drivers who use magnets to hide the true number of hours they spend behind the wheel need tougher punishments, an expert has suggested.

Chief executive of the Road Haulage Association Geoff Dunning said the Central Motorway Police Group claimed 30 per cent of non-UK registered truckers were found to be using magnets during the first quarter of 2010.

He remarked: "Magnets disrupt the signal from the truck to the tachograph, allowing them to flout the law by driving for long periods which are not recorded."

Mr Dunning added the action can create dangerous situations for other road users and even cause problems for reputable firms in the haulage market.

The specialist stated fixed penalty notices which are given out by police to those caught is not a strong enough reprimand.

Meanwhile, road safety charity Brake recently called for haulage firms to sign up to a voluntary code of practice to get bosses to fit retro-reflective markings on their heavy goods vehicles to increase visibility.