Stagecoach North East

[sndriver]

RE: Stagecoach North East

(25/02/2013 10:57)kuyoyo Wrote:  

(25/02/2013 10:47)sndriver Wrote:  

(25/02/2013 00:01)kuyoyo Wrote:  Some interesting news has just been revealled regarding a surprising trip for one of Stockton's Olympians.

On Friday night, 16840 worked the M35 from Norton to Newcastle replacing a broken-down Astromega. It then worked the 0535 M35 from Newcastle as far as Middlesbrough where the Astromega replaced it.

And here is 16840 in Walkergate depot on Friday night Photo @ ADL Enviro

That's very naughty. These are not 'in scope' for tachograph usage!

Appreciating a non-tachograph vehicle can legally replace a failed tachograph vehicle to complete the journey to Newcastle (as the journey had started with a tacho vehicle), it certainly cannot legally go back out next morning to start a journey... regardless of if it was to be swapped over at Middlesbrough! Should have a been a tachograph fitted vehicle to do the 'feed' the next day, as commencing a journey without a tacho vehicle is not an 'emergency'.

EU legislation out of the window!

Problem is, Stockton sent 16840 north because the Olympians are our only deckers. So, you then end up with one of Walkergate's Tacho-fitted Enviro400s working the southbound journey. Which would then mean Stockton would have to send one of its Spare drivers up to Walkergate with that to get 16840. So, while they did break EU regulation, they made things easier for themsleves.

Completely understand that.

But 'making life easier' for themselves would not stand up in court!

Mind you, all of the major operators have done it, although maybe not quite as obvious as that!