§ Mr. ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action his Department took to ensure that drivers of 3.5 tonne vehicles were properly notified of the change in status of their vehicles to heavy goods vehicles; and if he will make a statement. [28957]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThere has been no change in the classification of goods vehicles between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes, which remain "light goods vehicles". The only recent change relating to such vehicles concerns driving licences. Since 1 January 1997 higher health standards and a separate driving test have applied to new drivers. The higher health requirements have also applied since 1 January 1998 to pre-1997 car licence holders with automatic entitlement to drive such vehicles wishing to renew that entitlement group when their car licence expires. These requirements also apply to minibuses with 9–16 passenger seats. This change was publicised in a Department of Transport Press Notice (No. 129) of 12 June 1997. The driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency also notify drivers before their existing licences expire.