Tories to fight over seat belt exemptions
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THE OPPOSITION is to try to get changes in the seat belts Bill which begins its committee stage this week. Among the changes will be exemption for drivers on local delivery and collection services.
Other exemptions would be for all drivers when reversing and for police on duty. Disabled drivers and those who have been issued with certificates by their doctors would also be excused from the rules.
Shadow transport minister Mr Norman Fowler said this week: "We will seek a number of changes in the Bill and a full debate on the categories of drivers who will be exempt. As it stands now the Bill is only concerned with delegating powers to the Secretary of State.
"It is vital that we should get the exemptions right if the law is to be accepted by the public. It would be totally wrong if such regulations went through Parliament without adequate debate."
Licence review
MINISTER for Transport Dr John Gilbert Is reviewing the classification of vehicles for the purposes of the heavy goods vehicle driver licensing scheme.
Announcing this in the Commons last week, Dr Gilbert said he would consult interested organisations about any changes that might be needed.