§ Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what procedures exist to check the driving documents of overseas drivers entering the UK to see if they are involved in outstanding road traffic offences from previous visits; and if he will make a statement. [78525]
§ Mr. JamiesonEnforcement of road traffic law is an operational matter for the police. I understand from the Association of Chief Police Officers that the police do not make any specific provision for checking the driving documents of overseas drivers entering the UK. Police require drivers to produce their driving documents routinely after most police stops and following road accidents and traffic offences. The nationality of a driver does not make any difference to this process: all drivers are subject to the provisions of the Road Traffic Acts.
Details of endorsable road traffic offences committed in Great Britain by all drivers are maintained by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, and may be accessed by the police (via the Police National Computer) in cases where such drivers are stopped at the roadside.
Additionally, my officials are currently pursuing the ratification of the European Union Driving Disqualification Convention which was adopted and signed under the United Kingdom presidency by all member states. This convention will ensure that a driving disqualification imposed on a European Union citizen in any member state is recognised across all other member states.