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'No hiding place' as new penalties system starts
Page 6
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DEPARTMENT for Transport minister Jim Fitzpatrick promises: "There's no hiding place in the UK for foreign drivers who break the law',' after graduated fixed penalties (GFP) for UK and foreign truck drivers began on Wednesday 1 April.
Under the scheme, police and VOSA enforcement officers can issue graduated fixed penalties to foreign and domestic drivers for a variety of offences including the obvious drivers' hours, overloading and unroadworthy vehicles.
The penalties will range from £30 to £200 depending on the severity of the offence. In those cases where an offence requires court action and the driver cannot provide a satisfactory UK address, there will be a £300 deposit requirement per offence, up to a maximum of £900.
UK drivers who can show a satisfactory address have up to 28 days to pay the penalty or choose to have the alleged offence heard in court. On-the-spot payments can he made in sterling or via credit cards. Non-payment will result in a prohibition being issued and the vehicle may be immobilised.
Serious offences or major mechanical faults are likely to result in inunobilisation as a matter of course. Any offences relating to the condition of tyres, brakes and steering will continue to carry a points endorsement on the HGV driver's licence. If a UK driver receives a graduated fixed penalty, a letter will be sent to his employer to that effect, while penalty information will also be entered against a company's Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS).
Commercial Motor has revealed that VOSA will not actively be issuing fixed penalty notices ('Concern over police and VOSA penalty powers', CM 12 March) until 28 May following information supplied to the Freight Transport Association (FTA).
Joan Williams, the FTA's Head of Road Freight and Enforcement Policy, says improved enforcement and targeting of potentially unsafe vehicles is essential.
"No longer will foreign drivers be able to break the law with impunity," she adds "Any driver issued with a fixed penalty who cannot provide a suitable UK address will be required to pay a deposit at the roadside and if necessary the vehicle will he immobilised until the deposit is paid.'
A VOSA spokeswoman confirmed that enforcement would be phased in, but would not reveal a start date, saying only: "The legislation giving VOSA and the police the powers to issue fixed penalty notices, immobilise vehicles and take a financial penalty deposit from an alleged offender comes into force from 1 April.
"Enforcement will be phased in from this date,"
• See CM next week for more from DfT minister Jim Fitzpatrick on graduated fixed penalties.