Ireland, Italy, told off
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THREE European states have been given a rap over the knuckles by the EEC Transport Ministers for their enforcement of drivers' hours regulations.
At their bi-annual meeting in Luxembourg this week, the Council of Transport Ministers criticised the level of information presented by Ireland, Italy and Luxembourg over their enforcement of Social Regulation 543/69.
Belgium, the Netherlands and West Germany were especially critical, and their anger carries the implication that the other three Governments have not been enforcing the regulations as strictly as they ought.
They heard that one country had not organised any roadside checks and, consequently, it had been unable to record breaches by foreign drivers.
Italy and Ireland have promised to tighten-up their procedures.
The figures under review were for 1975/76 when Britain was still arguing over its adherence to 543/69. The next Council meeting is expected only to discuss the figures for 1977/ 78, British Transport Minister, Norman Fowler, told CM after the meeting that he is confident of Britain's ability to enforce the regulation and indicated that he supported pressure to bring other countries into line.