Drivers' hours and tachograph convictions up, says Perry

There were more convictions for drivers’ hours and tachograph offences in 2013-14 than in the previous year, according to transport minister Claire Perry.

In response to a parliamentary question about the number of British and non-UK HGV drivers found to be committing an offence under drivers’ hours law, Perry revealed that a total of 4,050 convictions were made in 2013-14, up 6% on the 3,794 in 2012-13.

The number of GB-registered vehicles issued with a fixed penalty notice (FPN) for drivers' hours or tachograph offences rose from 1,972 to 2,022 between 2012-13 and 2013-14. However the number of non-GB registered trucks issued with an FPN fell from 5,191 to 4,675 during the same period, albeit remaining at more than double the level dished out to UK drivers.

Despite the increases in convictions, the total number of trucks checked for drivers’ hours offences in DVSA roadside checks actually dropped from 80,796 in 2012-13 to 77,978 in 2013-14, Perry also revealed.