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The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has ridiculed the Liberal Democrats' proposal that shifting road freight to rail will be a solution to combat a 67% increase in the number of unroadworthy HGVs on UK roads.

Despite the Department for Transport (DfT) justifying a rise in unsatisfactory trucks because of increased levels of targeted  enforcement by VOSA, Liberal Democrat shadow transport secretary Norman Baker has called for a shift to rail freight. Following a Parliamentary question by Baker, the DfT revealed that in 2007, 58,635 HGVs prohibitions were issued compared to 35,158 in 2003. Of the offences in 2007, 26,755 were by non-UK-registered vehicles.

"There appears to be a disproportionate problem with a large number of lorries from outside the UK failing checks," Baker says. "We need a more sustainable freight strategy that cuts carbon emissions, reduces accidents and curtails congestion."

A DfT spokeswoman has hit back, saying that since 2005 VOSA has more than doubled the number of checks on foreign trucks. "The rise in prohibitions is a result of increased enforcement," she adds.

Improving the Felixstowe to Nuneaton rail line would be cheaper than widening the A14, a Liberal Democrat spokeswoman argues.

FTA director of communications  Jo Tanner retorts: "To suggest that Britain's congestion problems would be solved by rail is far too simplistic. The Liberal Democrat's anti-truck stance puts them in danger of throwing the baby out with the bathwater."

VOSA will have increased power from spring 2009 when it can issue Fixed Penalty Notices.

Under the Graduated Fixed Penalties scheme, offences will range from: drivers' hours overloading driver licencing and unroadworthiness.

Fine levels will range on the severity of offence and are set at: £30, £60, £120 and £200. More than one penalty can be issued on the spot.