§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research his Department is currently undertaking into the effects of fatigue in heavy goods vehicle drivers. [39982]
§ Mr. NorrisWe are continuing with our research programme into the relative effectiveness of possible countermeasures to tiredness, to ensure that the best advice is available to all drivers on how to minimise the risk of having a sleep-related accident.
§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues on penalties for employers who bring pressure on heavy goods vehicle drivers to work illegally long hours; and if he will make a statement. [39992]
§ Mr. NorrisEnforcement authorities can, and do, prosecute employers where it can be proved that they caused or permitted a driver to break the drivers' hours or tachograph rules. These offences carry maximum fines of £2,500—level 4—and £5,000—level 5—respectively. Deliberate falsification of a tachograph chart can result in up to two years' imprisonment.
Such offences are also taken into account by the licensing authorities when reviewing an operator's compliance with the conditions of his licence. Offenders can be called to a public inquiry, and their licences can be curtailed, suspended or revoked.