Logistics driver wins mobile phone battle
Date: 22 February 2008
A logistics lorry driver has won a court battle following a claim that he had used his mobile phone while driving.
Anthony Jones of Denton was given a £60 fine after police officers claimed to have seen him using his cell phone on the move, the Manchester Evening News reports.
However, the skip lorry driver knew he was innocent and spent some £2,600 collecting evidence and attempting to clear his name.
He used a tachometer report (which are used by haulage firms) to show that he was not driving when he was talking on the phone.
Magistrates in Tameside found him innocent, and ordered that the £2,600 he spent be paid back from public funds.
"There were times when I felt like packing it in and paying up," he said. "But it was a matter of principle. I had done nothing wrong and I was not guilty. I'm an honest guy."
Haulage vehicle drivers risk a possible fine of up to £2,500 if they protest against a penalty notice for using a mobile phone when driving and are found guilty.
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