§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what arrangements are made to ensure that the vehicles operated by travelling people are(a) MOT tested and (b) properly insured; how many prosecutions in each of these respects have taken place over the last three years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleThe arrangements for ensuring compliance with the law on vehicle testing and insurance are the same for all vehicle users. It is an offence to use a vehicle without a current test certificate and valid insurance, and the police can bring prosecutions. The vehicle inspectorate checked the roadworthiness of 92 large non-public service vehicle passenger-carrying vehicles, most of which will not have been used by travelling people, at roadside spot checks in 1991–92. The inspectorate's policy is to prohibit unroadworthy vehicles rather than to prosecute. The 92 checks resulted in four prohibitions. The power to prohibit vehicles in a dangerous condition was extended to the police by the Road Traffic Act 1991, which was commenced on 1 July this year.