Risk news

Overseas truck drivers pose a significant potential safety hazard to other road users in the UK.

This is the view of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which warned that the Department for Transport and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency have not done enough to address the risks posed by foreign heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).

Lorries from overseas account for ten per cent of the road accidents which occur in the UK every year involving trucks - despite the fact that they represent just three per cent of total HGV traffic.

Chairman of the PAC Edward Leigh MP said: "The worst of these accidents are down to the poor mechanical condition of the foreign lorry or driver fatigue brought on by driving for too long without a break."

He added that EU member states should be required to share information about "dodgy" truck operators.

Earlier this month, the government unveiled plans to improve road safety by tightening the regulation of road works.

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