asked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) against how many over-length lorries the police and licensing authorities have taken action in the past 12 months; and how many of these vehicles were registered abroad;(2) what are the current maximum fines available in respect of over-length lorries; and what has been the average level of fines in the past 12 months;(3) if he is satisfied with the operation of the law limiting over-length lorries.

In 1976, the latest year for which figures are available, there were 83 prosecutions in England and Wales and the average fine was £17. No information is available on the place of registration of these vehicles. The current maximum fine is £100.There may be cases in which some lorries slightly exceed the legal limits but I have no evidence of any substantial and widespread infringement in this respect or that the law is not being reasonably enforced.