The DVSA has announced it will begin to issue on-the-spot fines for commercial LGV, bus and coach drivers who are in breach of the drivers’ hours rules from 5th March 2018.
This new law will mean that DVSA examiners will be permitted to issue fines, on the spot, to any drivers who have committed an offence within the last 28 days. At present, DVSA can only issue fines for offences committed on that day, or if they are being investigated for an on-going offence, for example, manipulating tachograph records. On-the-spot fines are expected to total as high as £1,500.
The new rules will also apply to drivers who are not residents of the UK, who will be required to pay the fines immediately, or risk having their vehicle immobilized.
DVSA Chief Executive, Gareth Llewellyn, commented “DVSA’s priority is to protect you from unsafe drivers and vehicles, there’s no excuse for driving while tired. The results of falling asleep at the wheel can be devastating. Any driver or operator breaking these rules is putting other road users at risk.”
Llewellyn continued, “These tougher penalties will help us to take stronger action against any drivers or operators who break the law, helping keep the public safe on Britain’s roads.”
Source: Logistics Manager, On-the-spot fines for drivers hours offences, 5th February 2018. Read the full article.