§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will introduce legislation to increase the fines payable by haulage firms failing to comply with regulations on the safe transportation of dangerous substances by road; and if he will make a statement on the EEC report on long-distance drivers and safety.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyWe have no plans to do so.
Most relevant offences under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 are dealt with summarily in magistrates' courts, where the maximum penalty for each single offence is £2,000. Magistrates can refer serious cases on indictment to the Crown court, where the maximum fine is unlimited.
The study of hours worked by drivers engaged in international road transport was carried out in Holland in 1984–85. It recommended that drivers should work fewer hours, and that there should be increased enforcement.
400WThe 1986 EC drivers hours regulations include provisions for increased weekly rest and a recent EC directive setting minimum levels of enforcement came into effect on 1 January 1989.