FOREIGN lorry drivers who commit offences in this country could be forced to pay immediate fines.

There has long been criticism that foreign drivers can return to their home countries, very often through the port of Dover, without paying the penalties for offences committed here, such as exceeding drivers’ hours limits or overloading,

Today the Road Safety Bill was being put before Parliament which will mean foreign drivers will have to pay an immediate deposit equal to the likely fine.

The move has been welcomed by the Kent-based Freight Transport Association.

“It is evident that foreign lorries are much more likely to offend traffic regulations than UK domestic drivers,” said FTA External Affairs Director Geoff Dossetter.

“Statistics show that foreign drivers break drivers’ hours rules four times as much as UK drivers and for overloading the rate is twice as much.

“In the past it has been too easy for offending foreign drivers to simply leave the country and avoid a fine. That situation will change. Better enforcement specifically aimed at foreign lorries is very welcome.”