HC Deb 07 November 1995 vol 265 cc756-7W
Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list for each of the last five years the number of inspections undertaken by the Vehicle Inspectorate at roadside checks and the percentage of vehicles found to be defective. [40996]

Mr. Norris

This is an operational matter for the Vehicle Inspectorate. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from Ron Oliver to Mr. Graham Allen, dated 6 November 1995: The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question concerning the number of inspections undertaken at roadside checks and the percentage of vehicles found to be defective for the last 5 years. The attached table shows the number of roadworthiness inspections carried out by vehicle type and the number that were prohibited as a result of a mechanical defect being found. The prohibition figure includes both immediate and delayed prohibitions.

Number of heavy goods vehicles, public service vehicles, private and light goods vehicles inspected and the number of vehicles prohibited at roadside 'spot' checks over the past five years
Vehicle type Number of vehicles inspected Number of vehicles prohibited Percentage
Private and light goods vehicles 12,405 2,779 22.4
Private and light goods vehicles special checks1 — — —
1991–92
Heavy goods vehicles 110,753 17,632 15.9
Public service vehicles 20,859 2,547 12.2
Private and light goods vehicles 35,231 5,461 15.5
Private and light goods vehicles special checks1 — — —
1992–93
Heavy goods vehicles 134,382 18,786 14.0
Public service vehicles 29,542 2,366 8.0
Private and light goods vehicles 31,781 4,799 15.1
Private and light goods vehicles special checks1 44,720 1,236 2.8
1993–94
Heavy goods vehicles 134,266 19,019 14.2
Public service vehicles 29,686 2,594 8.7
Private and light goods vehicles 21,270 3,339 15.7
Private and light goods vehicles special checks1 33,103 223 0.7
1994–95
Heavy goods vehicles 130,035 20,075 15.4
Public service vehicles 32,826 3,315 10.1
Private and light goods vehicles 21,360 3,259 15.3
Private and light goods vehicles special checks 70,899 2,580 3.6
1 Special checks cover emissions, tyres and lights.