§ Mr. Andrew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many inspections in relation to loading and roadworthiness of lorries were undertaken in the last year for which figures were available; how many infringements of regulations were detected; how many prosecutions and convictions secured; and if he will tabulate the results by county and metropolitan district area.
§ Mr. ChopeAlmost 113,000 HGV roadworthiness inspections were carried out at the roadside during522W 1990–91. These resulted in just under 8,000 vehicles being immediately prohibited from further use, and just over 9,000 being required to have essential repairs undertaken within a maximum of 10 days. In addition, vehicle examiners made almost 98,000 visits to operators during the year to inspect either particular vehicles or maintenance facilities. A total of 114,000 HGVs were checkweighed during the same period. This activity resulted in the issue of just over 8,000 prohibitions. There were about 10,000 prosecutions, and 9,000 convictions.
It is not possible to provide this information by county and district.
§ Mr. Andrew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to increase the penalties for infringement of loading and roadworthiness regulations in relation to lorries.
§ Mr. ChopeThe Criminal Justice Act 1991 increased level 5 on the standard scale of fines, which is the maximum punishment for overloading and the more serious roadworthiness offences, from £2,000 to £5,000. This will be implemented in October 1992. In addition, infringements can lead to action being taken against operators' and drivers' licences.