16.—(1) In any proceedings for an offence for a contravention of any of the provisions of these Regulations it shall, subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), be a defence for the person charged to prove–
(a)that the commission of the offence was due to the act or default of another person not being one of his employees (hereinafter called “the other person ”); and
(b)that he took all reasonable precautions and exercised all due diligence to avoid the commission of the offence.
(2) The person charged shall not, without the leave of the court, be entitled to rely on the defence referred to in paragraph (1) unless, within a period ending seven clear days–
(a)before the hearing to determine mode of trial, where the proceedings are in England or Wales;
(b)before the intermediate diet, where the proceedings are summary proceedings in Scotland; or
(c)before the first diet, where the proceedings are solemn proceedings in Scotland,
he has served on the prosecutor a notice in writing giving such information identifying or assisting in the identification of the other person as was then in his possession.
(3) Where a contravention of these regulations by any person is due to the act or default of the other person, that other person shall be guilty of the offence which would, but for any defence under this regulation available to the first-mentioned person, be constituted by the act or default.