HC Deb 24 July 1968 vol 769 cc565-6
25. Mr. Peter Walker

asked the Minister of Transport if it is his policy to require all goods vehicles which come within the scope of quantity licensing to be fitted with tachographs.

Mr. Swingler

All goods vehicles over 30 cwt. unladen weight will, unless exempted, have to be fitted with tachographs. The requirement will therefore apply to vehicles subject to quantity licensing.

Mr. Walker

By what date does the Minister of State expect all vehicles to be fitted with tachographs?

Mr. Swingler

I cannot say at the moment. It depends on the supply position. This matter is now under discussion. We will proceed with the programme as rapidly as possible.

Mr. Bessell

How does the Minister of State propose that the legislation will be enforced if tachographs are not fitted to vehicles?

Mr. Swingler

We have had legislation for a long time on such things as drivers' hours without having tachographs. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will explain how during the last 30 years that legislation has been enforced. This is a matter for the police. We said during the debates on the Transport Bill that we thought that the installation of tachographs was an important new enforcement measure to get a higher degree of respect for the law.