Weak response to MPs' safety plans
Page 6
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
by David Harris II The Government is coming under attack as it becomes clear that it intends to introduce few firm measures in response to this summer's report from the Transport Select Committee.
The Government's response to the committee's 35 recommendations on safety in the haulage industry is still to be officially published, but copies are circulating at Westminster.
The committee sat for three months and its recommendations were wide-ranging including new measures on drivers' hours, 0-licences, enforcement and training (CM 25-31July 1996).
Gwyneth Dunwoody (pictured), senior Labour member of the all-party committee, says the Government's response is "sadly lacking in substance. It is yet another missed opportunity to rid the industry of cowboys...the only people who don't appear to understand the problems are the Department."
5: Review decision to shut Manchester and Cardiff Traffic Area
The Department of Transport says it cannot comment further on the Government's responses until they are officially published. [J One of the few concrete promises in the Government's response to the Select Committee is a practical coupling and uncoupling exercise in the new C+E driving test from 1997.
It is also considering requiring learner drivers to use loaded vehicles when taking the test.