§ Mr. John Ellisasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement about the operation after the end of 1978 of the 450 km. distance limit for drivers of heavy non-rigid goods vehicles under regulations EEC 543/69.
§ Mr. William Rodgers:In announcing, last January, the arrangements for the phased implementation of regulation (EEC) 543/69, I drew attention to the link between the 450 km. distance limit and the general tachograph problem, in that the use of a tachograph provides exemption from this limit. I explained that the enforcement authorities were aware of the difficulties presented by this limit while the tachograph problem remained unresolved, and would take account of the situation, which was likely to last throughout 1978.
As the House knows, the infraction proceedings on the tachograph problem initiated by the European Commission have not yet been concluded. The Government will, therefore, continue to ensure that the enforcement authorities are aware of the situation, so that they can take it into account when they consider action on breaches of the distance limit. A further statement will be made in due course.