'Those who put other road users at risk can expect tough action'
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Iam determined to take tough action against lorry, bus and coach operators who deliberately flout road safety laws. Bus companies who repeatedly tail to run their local services, and heavy goods operators who overload their vehicles are particular targets. In my annual report to the Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, I have promised to continue my campaign to improve road safety in the road transport industries.
The report shows that over the year 164 operators and more than 500 bus and lorry drivers in the North East Region appeared before me at disciplinary public inquiries because of failures to comply with road safety rule.
Bus, coach and lorry operators and commercial vehicle drivers who deliberately choose to operate outside the licensing system, or who persistently flout the rules and put other road users and the travelling public at risk can expect tough action. I remain concerned about commercial vehicle drivers who drive too fast and for too long. Those who allow their vehicles to be overloaded and do not maintain them also cause danger. In addition to road safety issues, I am also interested in protecting the environment around operating centres and preventing the indiscriminate parking of trucks overnight. Those who regularly park their lorries away from approved operating bases are breaking the law. Monitoring of the provision of local bus services has also taken place and I have acted against operators who repeatedly fail to run services in accordance with timetables. The travelling public have a right to expect services that will run on time wherever possible. Road safety is paramount. My aim is to improve the professional standards of those in the industry by education, closer cooperation between the various enforcement agencies and by dealing swiftly and effectively with those who will not improve.
The recent reduction in serious roadworthiness prohibitions issued at roadside and fleet checks is a positive sign that the industries have taken on board the need to improve standards. Likewise the number of vehicle weighings and examinations for drivers hours, tachograph and record offences have fallen, although detection and conviction levels have risen.
I am determined to ensure that the positive steps taken by many in the road transport industry in the North West and North Wales is not undermined by a small minority who can give the industry an undeserved poor reputation.
• If you want to sound off about a road transport issue write to features editor Patric Cunnane or fax your views (up to 600 words) on 0181 652 8912.