asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Davies of Oldham on 10 October 2006, whether any further progress has been made in relation to breaches of the Drivers' Working Hours Regulations by Irish drivers in the United Kingdom. [HL1599]

We continue to undertake targeted enforcement activity to combat drivers’ hours offences. Last November, the Road Safety Act 2006 received Royal Assent. That includes enabling powers which provide for a graduated fixed penalty and deposit scheme which will allow additional enforcement activity both for these offences and where the driver does not have a UK address. We intend to consult shortly on the detail of the scheme.

In addition, details of all breaches are sent by the Department for Transport Vehicle Operator Services Agency (VOSA) to officials in the Irish Road Safety Authority. We are given to understand that all such matters are followed up as necessary by their enforcement officers.