§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many regulations which apply to those heavy goods vehicles which are licensed in the United Kingdom are not applicable to heavy goods vehicles arriving in the United Kingdom from(a) other EEC countries and (b) other European countries.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyIn general, foreign lorries entering the United Kingdom for a period of more than three months must comply with all relevant United Kingdom legislation. Those arriving for periods of three months or less are exempted from customs duties and from certain of the vehicle lighting and the construction and use regulations.
Foreign vehicles carrying dangerous goods must comply with United Kingdom regulations, unless they meet the provisions of the United Nations agreement on the carriage of dangerous goods by road (ADR).
§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he intends taking to bring the standards of heavy goods vehicles arriving in Britain up to the standards necessary for vehicles licensed and operating in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThere is no evidence that the roadworthiness standards of visiting vehicles are lower than those of British vehicles. Foreign operators must comply with their national safety standards which, with the exception of our requirements on sideguards and spray suppression equipment, are generally similar to British standards.
Our construction and use requirements on weight limits apply to visiting vehicles.
210WBasic safety standards of vehicles on international journeys are applied by international conventions. Standards are enforced in the United Kingdom at ports and at the roadside. Heavy goods vehicles from EC member states must be tested annually, to comply with the EC roadworthiness directive.