Government to crack down on rogue hauliers

Hauliers that flout the rules risk being fined or having their vehicles impounded under road safety measures outlined for consultation by Transport Minister Stephen Ladyman today.

The measures will also ensure that hauliers based outside the cannot escape punishment, by giving the police and Vosa the power to collect on-the-spot penalties from anyone without a valid British address. Vosa inspectors will also have the power to issue fixed-penalty notices.

Ladyman says: "We're calling time on drivers who think they can offend here and then disappear without risk of punishment. This is about making our roads safer and creating a level playing field across .”

The measures that are out for consultation include making it easier to penalise hauliers that break driving hours, weight or vehicle safety regulations. The on-the-spot penalties would be paid in the form of a deposit equal to the value of the fine. Offenders would then be given the chance to contest the charge in court.

Currently the police and Vosa have the power to prohibit any driver and vehicle breaking the rules, but under the proposed measures they would be able to immobilise any vehicle - whether based in Britain or overseas - if they believed there was a risk that the driver would continue with the journey before the prohibition had expired or if the driver refused to pay the deposit.