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Concern over police and VOSA penalty powers
Page 6
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CONFUSION REIGNS over the introduction of graduated fixed penalties after the Department for Transport (DfT) confirmed the police and VOSA would have new powers for roadside fines for foreign HG Vs from 1 April.
However, the Freight Transport Association (FTA) has been advised by VOSA that the enforcement body will only be issuing graduated fixed penalties from 28 May.
Under new provisions in the Road Safety Act 2006, VOSA and the police will be able to take a financial penalty deposit from any driver who cannot prove UK residency and fails to comply with road traffic laws in the UK (see panel).
A DIU spokeswoman tells CM that foreign drivers stopped in the UK for failing to comply with UK laws will have to "provide a deposit of £300 to cover a court appearance" and charges could rise depending on the severity of the offence.
Jo Tanner, director of communications at the FTA, tells CM that the delay between the law taking effect and VOSA issuing penalties is "worrying': She says: "This is a major piece of legislation and a major step towards something we have promoted for a long time. Whether the vehicle is registered in the Czech Republic or Chingford, the driver should know what is required of them to drive safely."
A VOSA spokesperson confirms: -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."
In January 2008 VOSA had to delay the implementation date for graduated fixed penalties as the legislation had to be changed.
Jack Semple, director of policy at the Road Haulage Association, says: "It has been a protracted process, but it will be an important new development."
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