On the spot fines could be imposed on foreign truckers who drive while tired and put people's lives at risk.

The Department for Transport has launched a consultation on proposals to give enforcement officers the option of giving truck drivers on-the-spot fines rather than taking them to court.

Penalising truckers without a valid UK home address is currently more difficult than those with an address because they cannot be issued with a court summons.

The proposals would enable officers to issue a penalty for offences committed up to 28 days after an offence and allow enforcement of the new HGV road user levy for similar periods. 

Roads minister Stephen Hammond said: "The option to issue a fine for this offence would provide an effective weapon in the fight against irresponsible driving by both foreign and UK drivers."

The consultation is to run until Monday August 11th.