Plaid MEP Jill Evans and Ynys Môn Westminster candidate Dylan Rees have been to see the Vehicle & Operator Services Agency (VOSA) in action on the A55, where they had a vivid illustration of the hazards uncovered by enforcement officers.

They visited the inspection site at Dalar Hir near Holyhead, and were able to witness first hand heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) being stopped and inspected. Afterwards Mr Rees, a former local police inspector, stated:

“With the A55 across Anglesey being a crucial strategic route between the UK and Ireland, we must ensure that road safety is a top priority.

“The recent well-publicised tragic death of six members of a family from Llandudno vividly illustrates how lethal a HGV is when it is not being driven under proper control.

“That is why the targeted enforcement work of VOSA and the Police is so vitally important. Regular and stringent inspections are essential if drivers are to be deterred from flouting the law.”

Mr Rees added:

“Whilst at the inspection site we were shown an HGV, in this case from Ireland, which had been stopped. One of the tyres was clearly worn beyond the legal limit to the extent where the cords were exposed. Not only was this vehicle in a seriously defective condition but the driver had also exceeded his permitted hours.

“Driver fatigue is the main cause of road traffic accidents involving HGVs. Consequently if this driver had been allowed to continue his journey unchecked there could have been catastrophic results.”

Jill Evans, who represents the whole of Wales in the European Parliament, commented:

“The increase of international haulage traffic must be accompanied by stringent safety standards, which apply equally to vehicles from Wales, other parts of the UK and the European Union.

“There is an added danger that during a time of global recession companies will be tempted to cut corners in order to save costs at the expense of road safety.

“Consequently the enforcement work of VOSA and the Police becomes even more important. That is why, as an MEP, I welcome the fact that in June the north of Wales will be the first region to host a meeting of enforcement representatives from across the whole of the European Union.”

Diwedd/Ends

NOTES:

The photograph shows, left to right, Alex Fiddes (Chief operating Officer, Vehicle and Operator Services Agency), Jill Evans MEP and Dylan Rees (Plaid Cymru Westminster candidate, Ynys Môn).

Jill Evans’ visit to Dalar Hir was one of a series arranged by Dylan Rees. Other visits last Friday included:

1. A visit to Holyhead Fish Dock to meet local fishermen to discuss the challenges they are currently facing.

2. A visit to Hooton’s farm shop and café in Brynsiencyn which sells a range of locally grown produce, most of it reared or grown by them.

3. A meeting with Dr Einir Young, Head of Sustainable Development at the University College of Wales, Bangor to discuss the green economy.