FTA opposes 'dictatorial' Foreign Vehicles Bill
Page 20
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• The Government's proposals for controlling foreign goods and passenger vehicles (page 20) are to be opposed by the Freight Transport Association because it feels they will give officials almost dictatorial powers. Instead it proposes that foreign vehicles that do not comply with British law. eg are overweight, mechanically unsound, do not have the necessary permits etc. should be prohibited from leaving port areas on arrival.
Strict checking of vehicles in the port area would effectively concentrate enforcement, says ETA, would be in line with Continental practice and be more likely to be accepted by foreign governments. Additionally, persistent offenders should be barred as already provided for in international transport agreements from operating into the UK.
In the FTA's view the Government proposals are highly discriminatory and deny the driver of a foreign goods vehicle (who in some instances could be a British subject) the basic right conveyed by British law that a person is innocent until proved guilty. Any right of appeal against action under the Bill is denied except to another Government official.
Additionally the PTA feels that the Government's proposals could lead to retaliatory measures against British vehicles by foreign governments. Indeed, present restrictive measures by France, Italy and to a certain extent Germany are already hampering the movement of British exports.