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'Dangerous' foreign trucks targeted

10th April 2008, Page 7
10th April 2008
Page 7
Page 7, 10th April 2008 — 'Dangerous' foreign trucks targeted
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

THE GOVERNMENT has given Vosa an extra £24m over the next three years in order to tackle dangerous foreign trucks on the UK's roads.

Jim Fitzpatrick. the Transport Minister, says the investment will fund a 50% increase in the number of LGV checks carried out, as well as allowing Vosa to open two new enforcement sites.

"We're determined to clamp down on unsafe trucks," he says.

"In the past two years, we've more than doubled enforcement against LGVs on international journeys, and this extra £24m will allow Vosa to step up enforcement once again.

"More inspectors undertaking more checks at more sites will tnake our roads safer for everyone," Fitzpatrick insists.

The £24.3m, three-year package from the Government will fund: Two new enforcement sites in locations with a high volume of high-risk LGV traffic — possible sites are being investigated by Vosa at the moment.

+ A 50% increase in the number of LGV checks carried out.

• A near doubling of prohibitions, where vehicles or drivers are prevented from continuing their journey until the fault has been rectified.

+ Ninety-seven additional enforcement staff.

+ A move to 24/7 enforcement checking at two sites — on the M6 and in North Wales — very shortly.

+ The introduction of 24/7 enforcement at other sites over the three-year period.

Geoff Dossetter, director of external affairs at the Freight Transport Association (VIA), says that while the FIA is still disappointed that the government has decided to reject the idea of a vignette or register of foreign trucks as they enter the country, the extra investment is welcome. "I don't think it's an enormous amount of money when compared to the extent of the problem of foreign lorries, but it is a step in the right direction."

Jack Semple, director of policy at the Road Haulage Association, says an increase in enforcement is welcome, but it is unclear what level the 50% increase is from.

"The government is serious about this issue of road safety," he adds, "however, there are still very few sanctions that either Vosa or the police can impose.

• The Dff has released the findings of the Freight Data Feasibility Study, which considered options for a database of foreign trucks. The report can he downloaded from www.dft.gov.tddpgr/freight/ road/feasibilitystudyfinal.pdf


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