Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 8 October 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 October 2008. It was answered by Jim Fitzpatrick (Labour) on Friday, 17 October 2008 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Lorries: Safety Measures

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to encourage compliance with the requirement for goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes in relation to rear view mirrors.

Answer: The Department has been working closely with vehicle manufacturers and representatives of the road haulage industry to promote awareness of the new requirements for improved mirrors to be retro-fitted to goods vehicles above 3.5 tonnes that come into force from 31 March 2009.Compliance will be confirmed through the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) annual test and their targeted roadside checks, carried out in conjunction with the police, from 1 April 2009.

Secondary information