HC Deb 15 July 1985 vol 83 cc45-6W
Mr. Clifford Forsythe

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many prosecutions have been made under the Road Traffic, Transport and Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1984 against persons who have driven heavy vehicles on the public highway which have been in excess of the permitted maximum axle weight; and in how many cases a conviction resulted.

Mr. Chris Patten

[pursuant to his reply, 11 July 1985]: A total of 282, all of which resulted in convictions.

Mr. Clifford Forsythe

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what additional resources have been made available to enforce the provisions of the Road Traffic, Transport and Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1984 with regard to vehicle inspection and illegal parking of heavy commercial vehicles.

Mr. Scott

[pursuant to his reply, 11 July 1985]: My right hon. Friend is satisfied that the existing resources of the Department of the Environment and Royal Ulster Constabulary are sufficient to enforce the provisions of this order.

Mr. Clifford Forsythe

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many prosecutions have been made under the Road Traffic, Transport and Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1984 against persons who have parked heavy vehicles on verges or footways; in how many cases a conviction resulted; and how many of those convicted were resident within Northern Ireland and how many in the Republic of Ireland.

Mr. Scott

[pursuant to his reply, 11 July 1985]: During the short period for which this legislation has been in force, no one has been prosecuted for offences committed in contravention of its provisions.

Mr. Clifford Forsythe

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the maximum penalty for parking a heavy vehicle on a verge or footway; and, in how many cases a conviction has been followed by the imposition of the maximum penalty.

Mr. Scott

[pursuant to his reply, 11 July 1985]: £400; during the short period for which this legislation has been in force, there have been no prosecutions (and hence no convictions) under it.