181 General provisions as to accident inquiries.E+W+S
(1)Where an accident arises out of the presence of a [F1mechanically propelled vehicle] on a road, the Secretary of State may direct inquiry to be made into the cause of the accident.
(2)Where any accident arising out of the presence of a [F1mechanically propelled vehicle] on a road has occurred, a person authorised by the Secretary of State in that behalf may, on production if so required of his authority, inspect any vehicle in connection with which the accident arose, and for that purpose may enter at any reasonable time any premises where the vehicle is.
(3)If a person obstructs a person so authorised in the performance of his duty under subsection (2) above, he is guilty of an offence.
(4)If in any case the Secretary of State considers that an inquiry to be made by him under this section should be made by means of the holding of a public inquiry, he may direct a public inquiry to be held.
(5)A report made by or to the Secretary of State as the result of an inquiry under this section shall not be used in evidence by or on behalf of a person by or against whom any legal proceedings are instituted in consequence of the accident to which the inquiry relates.
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 181(1)(2) substituted (1.7.1992) by Road Traffic Act 1991 (c. 40, SIF 107:1), s. 48, Sch. 4 para. 76; S.I. 1992/1286, art. 2,Sch.