(1) This section applies to every person who owns or operates not less than the prescribed number of mechanically propelled vehicles (being vehicles exceeding 2,000 kilograms in weight unladen and used in public places) and is designated for the purposes of this section in regulations made thereunder.

(2) The Minister may make regulations -

(a) requiring a person to whom this section applies to arrange, in accordance with a scheme approved by the Minister, for the inspection and examination from time to time of the vehicles (or a specified class thereof) owned or operated by that person,

(b) providing for the keeping of records of such inspections and examinations and of the action taken to remedy any defects discovered in the course of such inspections and examinations, and

(c) providing for the production of such records to officers of the Minister.

(3) A person who contravenes a regulation under this section which is stated to be a penal regulation shall be guilty of an offence.