§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to extend powers to the Vehicle Inspectorate and the police to prohibit domestic registered vehicles from proceeding where it is clear that excess hours are found; and if he will make a statement. [27668]
§ Mr. NorrisNone. The driver of a domestic registered vehicle who is found to have driven excess hours, or taken inadequate rest, is liable to prosecution. In such circumstances, the driver would be advised to take the required rest or face the prospect that refusal to do so would be reported to the court in any subsequent prosecution and further charges might be brought. There is no evidence to suggest that this procedure is an 475W inadequate means for preventing drivers from continuing their journey.