Getting tougher on the cowboys
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by Karen Miles • Hauliers are likely to be working under a tougher enforcement regime when the Government introduces its planned integrated transport policy. Documents obtained by Commercial Motor show that a pledge to produce more law-abiding truck and car drivers is at the core of the Government's long-term transport strategy.
The plan for an "environmentally sustainable transport system" includes the better enforcement of existing rules as well as a wider network of enforcement regulations. authorities to police new A draft copy of objectives for the transport policy review, the Government says: "Better enforcement of existing measures— such as speed limits, vehicle standards, parking regulations— would produce environmental benefits without further legislation."
The review will consider ways of improv ing conventional enforcement, including the Traffic Commissioners and the police. It will also investigate alternatives, such as the greater use of local authority enforcement officers.
In a clear signal that more rules are on the way, the draft continues: "Many of the new policies, especially those which involve restraint, will require effective enforcement if they are to deliver the expected benefits."
As expected, the review will look at charging drivers for entry into urban areas and inter-urban. It will lead to a white paper in the spring, which will set out the future policy framework for transport.
The white paper will be accompanied by a series of more detailed policy papers on key issues, such as the review of the trunk road network, the railways and buses.