Kinnock presses for more checks
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• EU Transport Commissioner Neil Kinnock is proposing new European rules to force other EU countries to carry out random roadside checks on HGVs, "This legislation will discourage irresponsible operators from trying to cut costs by operating vehicles so poorly maintained that they threaten the life of other road users and damage the environment," says Kinnock. Using sub-standard vehicles is unfair competition, he adds.
The Commission points out that 33% of the HGVs randomly examined in the UK last year would have failed the annual roadworthiness tests, according to the Vehicle Inspectorate.
Neil Kinnock's spokeswoman says the new legislation could also help fight discrimination against British drivers who feel they are subject to finicky checks in some countries.
Earlier this year Transport Minister Gavin Strang said that pushing through new rules on roadside checks would be one of the priorities of the UK, which holds the presidency of the European Union until June. CI More details of Kinnock's proposal to harmonise weekend bans in the EU have emerged.
He suggests international lorry traffic on European motorways should be prohibited from 07:00-22:00hrs on Sundays.
Governments would be allowed to extend that period if "they can justify it on objective environmental, safety or social grounds".