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New figures show Eastern European trucks travelling in the South-east top the league for mechanical defects. Figures from Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), comparing prohibition rates of UK and foreign-registered vehicles, have been collated from three major spot-checks between March 2006 and April 2007. They form part of a South-east pilot - launched last year - to target LGVs on international journeys.

The findings show prohibition rate for vehicles from the Czech Republic  at a staggering 62% while Romanian vehicles were almost as bad at 61%. In contrast, prohibition notices were handed out to 32% of UK vehicles.

Foreign drivers were more likely to breach drivers' hours rules - 37% of drivers of Greek-registered trucks had exceeded the limit, compared with 10% of British drivers.

Other countries that scored badly for drivers' hours offences included Turkey (36%) and the Republic of Ireland (35%). Foreign trucks were also more likely to be overloaded - vehicles from Spain, Portugal and the Republic of Ireland topped the list of those found to be over the weight limit.

The Freight Transport Association is calling for the introduction of a registration system for vehicles entering the UK which would support the work of the enforcement agencies.

A spokesman says: "Many foreign lorry operators are cutting costs by failing to maintain vehicles in the required safe and sound condition. In addition, these vehicles have a commercial  advantage in that they work on cheaper fuel, never pay any UK taxes, and drivers' wage levels, particularly in Eastern Europe, are lower than the UK."

Paul Woodward, European manager at Dover-based Mike Beer Transport, says: "The enforcement system we have in the UK with VOSA's controls is much better than they have in a lot of other countries. It's not just us of course - other Western European countries such as Germany and Belgium are experiencing the same thing with trans-iting lorries from Eastern Europe."

The government is considering a charge system for foreign trucks and an announcement is expected within the pre-Budget statement at the end of the year.

UK and foreign vehicle prohibition comparison

Top five prohibition rates for roadworthiness

Czech Republic 62%

Romania 61%

Latvia 55%

Slovakia 55%

Greece 53%

UK comparison 32%

Top five prohibition rates for drivers' hours offences

Greece 37%

Turkey 36%

Republic of Ireland 35%

Romania 35%

Latvia 33%

UK comparison 10%   

Source: VOSA