An HGV driver whose lorry became stuck under a low bridge has been banned from driving for six months by a court in Manchester.
Manchester Evening News reports that HGV driver Wayne Brennan ignored warnings of a low bridge ahead before his lorry became stuck in Gorton Street near Ashburys Station in Oakenshaw.
Mr Brennan‘s vehicle was stuck under the low railway bridge for more than seven hours on 16 September this year. The incident did not cause any damage and no one was injured – but Mr Brennan admitted in court that he had misjudged the height of the bridge and had not seen the two signs in place warning drivers of a low bridge. After the incident, all trains leaving the station were stopped, causing delays to the service.
In court Mr Brennan said:
“I didn’t calculate it properly. I did see the signs.”
Brennan of Major Street in Milnrow was found guilty of driving an HGV without due care and attention. The court banned him from driving for six months, after which he must re-apply for a clean licence.
The court also imposed costs of £179 including a £74 fine.
Mr Brennan had been warned at a previous hearing that unless he could prove evidence of undue hardship if he was banned from driving, he would be facing disqualification.
Mr Brennan returned to court a week later with letters from his employer stating he would be sacked from his driving job if disqualified and the company had no other employment for him.
Mr Brennan already had points on his licence and explained to the court he would be sacked whether or not he was disqualified as the company would not be able to insure him with the additional points on his licence.
The court therefore went ahead and banned him from driving for six months. Mr Brennan said that losing his job meant he would have to move back home and live with his mother.
Duncan Lewis Crime Lawyers – Motoring Offences
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