§ 25. Mr. Peter Walkerasked the Minister of Transport if it is his policy to require all goods vehicles which come 566 within the scope of quantity licensing to be fitted with tachographs.
§ Mr. SwinglerAll 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. WalkerBy what date does the Minister of State expect all vehicles to be fitted with tachographs?
§ Mr. SwinglerI 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. BessellHow does the Minister of State propose that the legislation will be enforced if tachographs are not fitted to vehicles?
§ Mr. SwinglerWe 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.