Non-UK drivers and hauliers who flout the rules of the road face being fined and having their vehicles immobilised under new road safety proposals published by Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick.
Drivers resident outside the UK will not be able to escape punishment under the new system, which will give Police and examiners from the Vehicle Operator and Services Agency (VOSA) the power to collect on-the-spot penalties from anyone without a satisfactory UK address from next year. They will also be able to issue penalty points against a non-UK driver's record for endorsable offences.
For the first time VOSA examiners will also have the power to issue fixed penalty notices to hauliers for a range of offences such as breaking driving hours, weight or vehicle safety regulations.
From next year all drivers without a satisfactory UK address who commit offences will have to pay a financial penalty deposit equal to the amount of the fixed penalty - or up to £300 as a surety in respect of a potential court fine.
The only way to avoid a penalty will be to ensure that vehicles are fully roadworthy, drivers comply with UK road traffic law and commercial vehicle drivers do not break drivers' hour’s rules or run with an overloaded vehicle.
In addition the Police and VOSA examiners can immobilise any vehicle that has been prohibited from continuing a journey as a result of a driver breaking the rules on drivers' hours or driving a vehicle with defects.
About time too. When in Rome do as the Romans do.
Jackie Violet – Female First