From Monday, March 5, 2018, DVSA traffic examiners will start issuing on-the-spot fines for any drivers’ hours offences which have been committed in the last 28 days.
In a single roadside check, DVSA traffic examiners will be able to issue fines for up to five drivers’ hours offences. This means drivers you could be fined up to £1,500 in a single check if they have consistently broken the rules, and whether or not the offences took place in Great Britain.
The rules will also apply to drivers who don’t live in Great Britain. However, they will need to pay any fines immediately, before being allowed to continue their journey – DVSA will immobilise their vehicle until they pay.
DVSA Chief Executive, Gareth Llewellyn, said: “DVSA’s priority is to protect you from unsafe drivers and vehicles. These tougher fines will help us to take stronger action against any drivers or operators who break drivers’ hours rules and will help make our roads safer.
“There’s no excuse for driving while tired. The results of falling asleep at the wheel of 40 tonne lorry can be devastating to families and communities. Any drivers breaking these rules are putting other road users at risk and could face losing their licence and livelihood.”
James Firth, the Freight Transport Association’s Head of Licensing Policy and Compliance Information, said: “For some years, DVSA officers have been virtually powerless to take effective action against non-UK HGV drivers who may have committed a string of offences in the days and weeks before the vehicle is stopped.
“These new powers mean the enforcement authorities will be more able – and more likely – to take action against all drivers who are found to have repeatedly flouted these critical road safety laws.”
