Such information could be used to create a more level playing field between the UK and the rest of Europe and allow for more effective and fairer enforcement of parking regulations, moving traffic offences and non-payment of fines. It would also act as a deterrent and deliver better enforcement of other offences such as speeding and vehicle condition.

FTA has again made this call within its response to the Draft Simplification Plan produced by the Department for Transport. The DfT is consulting on developing a programme of work to simplify the regulations and administrative processes affecting transport. FTA expressed broad support for the planned initiatives but highlighted particular problems and needs regarding digital tachographs; data exchange on driver and vehicle details; driver licensing; safety systems; liability on London penalty charge notices; and the general availability of advice and information regarding the continuous changing of regulations.

FTA has challenged the assumption that the introduction of digital tachographs will result in administrative burden savings. FTA suggests that the imminent consultation to ‘quantify savings’ should assess the full short term and long term impact. The cost impact on vehicle maintenance providers that occasionally come in scope of tachograph legislation when taking vehicles to a test station for annual test or when picking up and returning vehicles to the vehicle operator must also be considered. Previously these undertakings could satisfy the legislation by using a paper disc. However, in order to comply with digital requirements each mechanic/fitter undertaking this work will need to be equipped with driver and company cards (£38 per card) and the maintenance provider will also require to purchase IT solutions.

FTA welcomes the benefits that should be delivered by integrating the Health and Safety Executive and the Office of the Rail Regulator. The new structure should provide a more balanced approach to safety that takes account of the impact of gold plating safety systems that have imposed unrealistic costs on industry.

FTA believes that this type of integration, which is beginning to provide a balance between the need for safety and the need to allow rail to operate efficiently and competitively, should be extended to transport security to deliver consistency between the various agencies. The economic consequences of security must be calculated and proportionately balanced so as not to adversely affect trade and industry. Recent Home Office anti-terrorist proposals represented unilateral action by the UK Government which ignored the EU anti-terrorist measures being developed. The security requirements in the UK would place a mandatory requirement on UK industry moving goods between the UK and the European Union to submit substantial information about the freight before being transported. Only industry-wide lobbying forced consideration of the economic consequences on UK business, resulting in modifications to the proposal which will, it is hoped, be far less onerous on UK trade and industry.

FTA says that when paper counterparts to driving licences are abolished, then no charge should be made for employers to access information online from DVLA in the process of verifying licence information required by law that is freely available on the counterpart.