§ 3. Miss Quennellasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the large number of prosecutions instituted in 1964, he is satisfied that the regulations applying to dangerously insecure loads carried on vehicles on the highways are sufficiently understood or adequate; and if he will take steps to publicise these regulations.
§ 53. Mr. Rhodesasked the Minister of Transport whether he is satisfied that the regulations applying to dangerously insecure loads carried on vehicles on the highways are adequate; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SwinglerThe regulations are in general and simple terms and we have no reason to think they are not well known and understood by vehicle operators.
§ Miss QuennellDoes the Minister consider that nearly 1,000 prosecutions a month for insecure loads indicates that the regulations are widely known and well understood, not to mention the number of instances when prosecutions have not occurred?
§ Mr. SwinglerThere is no reason to believe that the regulations are not well known. The fact is that they are not widely observed. There has been a growing number of enforcement actions, 1410 and we want to increase the number. I hope that these Questions will give publicity to the matter.
§ Mr. RhodesIs my hon. Friend aware of a recent case in the North-East of a lorry carrying 14 tons of steel sheets secured by three half-inch ropes which were sliced off into a bus, the penalty imposed in this case being a fine of only £3 or £4? Are not more stringent penalties required to keep these offenders off the road altogether?
§ Mr. SwinglerPowers exist under the law to fine up to £50, according to the circumstances. My right hon. Friend and I have no control over the penalties involved, but we are very anxious that the regulations should be strictly enforced.