Dip denies cuts claim
Page 7
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
THERE IS widespread concern that cuts in travel payments to vehicle and traffic examiners are leading to lower enforcement of the rules.
Meanwhile the Department of Transport is denying that there have been any changes in payments. It says that the level of enforcement in 198586 is due to rise.
Sources have confirmed that there have been cuts in travel subsistence payments to the Vehicle and traffic examiners since April 1, because of Treasury pressure.
It is believed that the cuts have ranged between 15 and 20 per cent, leaving a limit of around £30 a week for the examiners.
Some have complained that these substantial cuts have forced them to cut down on their checks and general enforcement work and at a time when many of the Licensing Authorities are crying out for more staff.
A Dip spokesman said: "I can find nothing true in any suggestion that we're reducing the amount on travel and subsistence that is going to lead to cut backs in enforcement."
He said that the DTp was recruiting traffic and vehicle inspectors.
However, there has been concert') in some circles over an incident in the Ilumberside docks last week where there was a problem over clearance on an overloading CV 160 prohibition, which it is believed was at least partly due to the cutbacks. It is expected that there will be representations made to the DTp about the incident.
There has been concern that any delayed clearances of GV 160s as a result of possible restrictions on DTp examiners will delay some hauliers and let others run with less restrictions.