Written question asked by James Clappison (Conservative) on Wednesday, 21 February 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 23 February 2007. It was answered by Stephen Ladyman (Labour) on Tuesday, 27 February 2007 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Lorries

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the mobile compliance device acquired by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency; how much the equipment has cost; and what plans he has for its future use.

Answer: The mobile compliance device (MCD) is being tested by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) in stages from spring 2006 until later in 2007. The results of using the MCD are incorporated into VOSA’s targeting and intelligence led programme. This is measured against VOSA’s key targets and measures set by the Secretary of State. For the current financial year to date VOSA are on track to achieve the relevant measures.The capital cost for each of the 550 MCDs is £882.In the future it is anticipated that the MCD will support:"The new digital tachograph regulations.""VOSA’s operator compliance risk score system.""Enforcement and prohibition notices.""The forthcoming graduated deposit and fixed penalty system."

Secondary information