HC Deb 02 December 1987 vol 123 c579W
Mr. Bell

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how his Department monitors the driving hours, breaks and rest periods of drivers in vehicles greater than three and a half tons, since the increase in heavy goods vehicle drivers' hours brought about by the EEC review in September 1986.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

Tachograph charts which show drivers' hours, breaks and rest periods, are checked by the Department's traffic examiners during visits to operators' premises and by both the examiners and the police at the roadside. Charts are also screened by the Department's eleven traffic area offices, using computerised equipment.

The EC regulations which became effective last year extended daily driving from eight to nine hours (with provision for up to 10 hours twice a week) but reduced overall driving from 92 hours to 90 hours in any fortnight.

Mr. Bell

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what guidelines have been issued to ensure that regulations are respected concerning those drivers in vehicles greater than three and a half tons, now that driving hours have been extended.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

Over 100,000 guide books (GV262) on the new drivers' hours rules have been issued free of charge by the Department since September 1986.

Mr. Bell

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will review the new extended driving hours for drivers in vehicles over three and a half tons; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

The new rules were agreed after two years of detailed discussion within the European Community and have been in place for a little over a year.

We will keep the rules under review.