From 1 April, police and VOSA enforcement officers have been
Page 14

If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
able to issue graduated fixed penalties to both foreign and domestic drivers for a variety of offences, including the obvious drivers' hours, overloading or roadworthiness.
The penalties will range from £30 to £200, depending on the severity of the offence. In those cases where an offence requires court action and the driver cannot provide a satisfactory UK address — typically a foreign driver — each offence will carry a £300 financial deposit requirement up to a maximum of £900. UK drivers who can show a satisfactory address have up to 28 days to either pay the penalty or choose to have the 'alleged offence heard in court. On-the-spot payments will be in sterling or via credit card. Non-payment will result in a prohibition being issued and the vehicle may be immobilised. Those drivers with serious offences or with major vehicle mechanical faults are likely to be immobilised anyway.
Any offences relating to the condition of tyres, brakes and steering will continue to carry a points endorsement on a HGV driver's licence. If a UK driver gets a graduated fixed penalty, then a letter will be sent to his employer confirming the fact while information on GFPs will also be entered against a company's OCRS score.