HC Deb 31 March 1998 vol 309 cc1029-30
30. Caroline Flint

What measures he proposes against illegal heavy goods vehicle operators. [35474]

Dr. Strang

In my recent speech to the annual conference of the Freight Transport Association, I announced consultation on proposals for the detention of illegally operated heavy goods vehicles. We are determined to take tough action against cowboy operators who undermine the great law-abiding majority of road hauliers.

Caroline Flint

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the former Transport Minister, Steve Norris, who I understand is now chief trucker for the Road Haulage Association, agreed when he was a Transport Minister with the measures now being taken by my right hon. Friend, even though he did not receive backing from the Government of the day? Is not that another case of the previous Government parking good ideas in the layby while the new Labour Government move us into the fast lane? My right hon. Friend has my assurance that the many law-abiding road hauliers in my constituency will raise their Yorkie bars in salute to his action.

Dr. Strang

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. This is another example of a policy which this Government are implementing but which past Ministers make excuses for not implementing during the 18 years of Conservative rule because they were not allowed to. I welcome the support of the Road Haulage Association and the Freight Transport Association for those proposals.

Mr. Boswell

Although I do not condone cowboy operators, will the Minister bear in mind two specific points? First, he must ensure at least reasonable equality of treatment on overloading as between the various magistrates courts across the country, to encourage them towards consistency of treatment. Secondly, as the Minister is contemplating higher lorry weights with more axles, will he remember the importance of ensuring that those weights are evenly distributed and that any axles are adequately compensated?

Dr. Strang

That is a fair point. I am glad that the hon. Gentleman does not condone cowboy operations. He must understand that it is not just a question of fairness to law-abiding operators, but that cowboy operators tend to be those who are involved in accidents, who are a threat on the roads to the vast majority of people who try to travel about safely, and who offend in relation to our environmental objectives. I therefore hope that 1 have the whole House's support in clamping down on cowboy operators.