§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations have been made to him regarding(a) exceeding the speed limit and (b) hazardous overtaking involving heavy lorries; what prosecutions have taken place in the past years with regard to these two offences; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe Department receives many representations about the full range of road safety issues.
We devote considerable effort to improving driver behaviour. Last year my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport announced a package of measures dealing specifically with motorway safety, and aimed in particular at improving driver behaviour.
Hazardous overtaking is not a specific offence in road traffic law, but drivers who perform dangerous manoeuvres can be prosecuted for either reckless or careless driving.
Statistics on road traffic offences are published annually by the Government statistical service in the supplementary tables on offences relating to motor vehicles England and Wales.