ICC's Enforcement Program Can Be Effective in Halting Violations and Preventing Their Recurrence

摘要

Civil penalty settlements and court actions are the two most common methods used by the Interstate Commerce Commission to enforce compliance with interstate transportation regulations. Yet their effectiveness is limited by nonapplicability in cases involving many tariff- and service-related violations, small and untimely settlements, problems with U.S. attorneys' handling of referred cases, and lack of followup investigations. While proposals for regulatory reform may eliminate enforcement of certain regulations the need to deter violations of other regulations will remain. Thus, actions to strengthen ICC's enforcement program will be important. Congressional and agency actions are needed.