§ Mr. Peter BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement about funding for the vehicle inspectorate's programme of enforcement checks against lorries, buses and coaches. [23779]
§ Mr. NorrisI intend to make new funds of £350,000 available to the vehicle inspectorate in 1995–96 to increase its enforcement effort against heavy goods vehicles and public service vehicles. These funds, together with efficiency savings already achieved, will allow the recruitment of additional front line enforcement staff. The new funding further reinforces the Government's commitment to support effective enforcement against unsafe vehicles and underlines their determination not to compromise on safety. As the costs of VI enforcement activity are recovered through HGV and PSV operator licence fees, the Department has today issued a consultation document about a minor increase in HGV operator fees to make the income sufficient to cover these additional costs.