RSA brings prosecution against driver over excessive driving hours

A driver who appeared at Navan District Court for breaches of HGV driving regulations was told by Judge Eirinn McKiernan that it was a very serious matter as it posed a danger to the driver himself but also to everybody else.

Pawel Rudenco with an address at Athlumney Abbey in Navan was prosecuted by the Road Safety Authority for eight alleged breaches of the laws on 29th February 2024. He pleaded guilty through a translator and was not legally represented in court.

Prosecuting solicitor for the Road Safety Authority David McEntee said the prosecution would be proceeding with four offences and having the remainder struck out.

The tachograph had been downloaded and on one occasion it was found that the accused had been driving for four and a half hours without a break. Other driving hours included 17 hours and 17 minutes, eight hours and five minutes and seven hours and five minutes, all without a break.

The defendant who had no previous convictions said he was pleading guilty. He said that he supported a partner and a disabled child.

Telling him that the regulations had to be adhered to Judge Eirinn McKiernan said the matter was a very serious one.

She struck out the charges on the basis that the accused would pay the €886 costs of the case but also a €300 donation to the Meath Community Drug and Alcohol Response.