§ Earl Attleeasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the implementation programme for the introduction of digital tachographs for heavy goods vehicles. [HL1646]
§ Lord Bassam of BrightonUpdated digital tachograph implementation dates are expected to be included in a revised EU regulation on drivers' hours. The legislation containing the new implementation dates is currently with the European Parliament for a Second Reading. No dates have yet been set for when this legislation might be formally adopted.
Nevertheless the Government, through their agencies VOSA and the DVLA, still expect to be able to facilitate the use of digital tachographs in GB from August 2005 onwards.
§ Earl Attleeasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many heavy goods vehicle drivers there are in the United Kingdom; and how many of them have been issued with the necessary driver's card to operate the digital tachograph. [HL1647]
§ Lord Davies of OldhamDVLA's records currently show that there are 1,737,636 vocational driving licence holders. This figure includes holders of both PSV and HGV licences. The records do not, however, indicate how many of these are actually using their licences. In 2003, the latest year for which we have figures, there were 426,000 goods vehicles and 96,000 public transport vehicles registered. This suggests that the number of active drivers is lower than the figures given above.
131WATo date no driver cards have been issued to any drivers in the United Kingdom, nor are there any commercially available digital tachographs on the market.
§ Earl Attleeasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, under the Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) (General) Order (S.I. 2003/1998), a chief constable has any role in discouraging the use of 16.5 tonne axles on a category three vehicle operated in accordance with the order. [HL1648]
§ Lord Davies of OldhamUnder the said order, a chief officer of police may only give the user of the vehicle, or vehicle-trailer combination, directions in relation to time, date or route of their journey.
132WAIn addition, a police constable may give directions to stop the vehicle, either in the interests of road safety or to avoid undue traffic congestion.