HC Deb 18 November 1971 vol 826 cc210-1W
Mr Awdry

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether agreement has been reached with the European Economic Community on the date by which tachographs will have to be fitted to some goods and passenger vehicles; and what action he is taking to facilitate such fitment.

Mr. Peyton

The Community has agreed that the date for compulsory fitment to new vehicles, and to those carrying dangerous goods, may be deferred for one year until 1st January, 1976. For other vehicles of the classes affected the date will be 1st January, 1978.

I have set up a Working Party, consisting of representatives of the tachograph interests now operating in the United Kingdom and officials of the Department, to look at the problems associted with the use of tachographs. Both sides of industry and other interested bodies will of course be consulted. The Working Party is intended to complement the discussions started earlier this year with the road transport industry to review the goods vehicles drivers' hours and records requirements in Part VI of the Transport Act, 1968.