A campaign for mandatory MOTs for mobile cranes has received a major boost five years on from a tragic accident near St Cyrus.
The European Parliament has voted to support legislation that will eventually close a legal loophole which allows the cranes and selected other HGVs to use roads without a test certificate.
The rules ensuring testing for all HGVs, including mobile cranes, are expected to be passed in September this year.
Mearns MP Sir Robert Smith has campaigned for testing to be introduced in the UK since 2008, when an accident on the A92 Stonehaven to Montrose road led to the deaths of Johnshaven woman Ann Copeland, 45 and her two daughters Niamh, 10, and Ciara, 7.
Following a fatal accident inquiry, Sheriff Kenneth Stewart determined the incident was most likely attributable to hydraulic fluid leaking from a poorly maintained mobile crane.
In the wake of this week’s vote in Brussels, Sir Robert has renewed his call for Westminster to introduce mandatory testing.
He tabled a motion on the subject in the last session of Parliament and has met with the Minister for Transport to urge speedy action.
“This is a welcome step in the right direction,” Sir Robert said.
“The UK Government has been waiting for the new EU legislation and I hope the government will act as quickly as possible when the new rules are finally agreed later this year.”
Angus MP Mike Weir added: “The vote by the European Parliament is a welcome step forward. It is ludicrous that such large vehicles have been allowed to use our roads without the basic inspection that is required of the smallest family car.”