1k vehicles targeted in city clampdown

Environment Minister Alex Attwood said Londonderry accounted for 20 per cent of the total number of inspections across Northern Ireland between April 2011 and March 2012.

This was the result of a campaign by the DVA to enforce regulations pertaining to commercial goods vehicles, coaches, buses and taxis.

Only in Belfast where there were 1,285 inspections were there more suspect goods vehicles, buses, taxis and cars.

DUP MLA Gregory Campbell asked the Minister to detail the areas where the Roadside Enforcement Initiative had been carried out in the last 12 months.

Mr Attwood provided the details and stated: “The DVA has primary responsibility for the enforcement of regulations pertaining to commercial goods vehicles, coaches, buses and taxis.

“DVA has been proactive in targeting a wide range of illegal activities within each of these transport sectors.

“The Agency also supports the Police Service of Northern Ireland in roadside operations to assess modified cars.”

The DVA can penalise drivers for driving longer than the requisite hours scheduled, mechanical defects and overloading, all of which endanger road safety.

It can also suspend or revoke goods or passenger vehicle operator licences where operators are convicted of offences, involving the roadworthiness of vehicles, speeding, overloading, drivers hour’s offences or other transport offences.