HC Deb 09 May 1995 vol 259 cc348-9W
Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what guidelines his Department issues to commercial road vehicle operators to effect the reduction of accidents. [22696]

Mr. Norris

Advice is given in the Department's "Guide to maintaining roadworthiness", which was produced in conjunction with the operator trade associations. The guide gives operators detailed information on how to set up and run a system for maintaining vehicles in a roadworthy condition.

Vehicle examiners from the Department's Vehicle Inspectorate also give advice to operators, both on an ad hoc basis, and when they visit operators premises in connection with corroborating compliance with the requirements of operator licensing.

Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to encourage commercial road vehicle operators to undertake specialist driver training. [22690]

Mr. Norris

We have no such plans, but specialist training is a statutory requirement for drivers of vehicles carrying dangerous goods.