07-07-03 VOSA Launches New Enforcement Equipment
The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency is launching new Automatic Number Plate Recognition equipment as a tool to catch non-compliant operators. The launch is being held at the newly refurbished Kidderminster test station on 10 July.
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) uses cameras that send images of number plates to a computer which holds registration numbers of vehicles that, eg are not shown on an operator licence or do not have a current test certificate. The computer responds in less than half-a-second and, if there is a match, VOSA’s enforcement team may immediately intercept the vehicle to check details, or follow up subsequently.
Kidderminster test station is a 3-lane station which has undergone complete refurbishment at minimal inconvenience to customers. The works included complete renewal of the test hall structure and services with a new test hall floor, extended pits and a stage A canopy. The work was completed on time and within budget.
Commenting, Maurice Newey, the Chief Executive of VOSA, said:
“The launch is an illustration of how VOSA is delivering both more effective compliance checks and better services to customers. ANPR will enable much more effective targeting of non-compliant operators, while allowing less attention to be given to those with a good record.
“The work at Kidderminster has been an extremely complex refurbishment of a test station achieved within a very tight timescale, producing an excellent end result. The partnering approach used with Craddy Pitchers Consulting structural engineers has enabled us to achieve our timescale and targets with minimum inconvenience to our customers."
There will be opportunities for filming and interviews at the launch. For more details contact Miranda Roberts/Jay Fordham on 0117 954 3233/3334.
NOTES TO EDITORS
The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) was created on 1 April 2003 by merging the Former Vehicle Inspectorate and the Traffic Area Network Division of the Department for Transport. VOSA is responsible for:
- Processing applications for licences to operate lorries and buses and registering bus services
- Operating and administering testing schemes for all vehicles, including the supervision of the MOT testing scheme
- Enforcing the law on vehicles to ensure that they comply with legal standards and regulations
- Enforcing drivers' hours and licensing requirements
- Supporting Traffic Commissioners to help them make informed decisions on operator licensing, vocational drivers and bus registration requirements
- Providing training and advice for commercial operators
- Investigating vehicle accident, defects and recalls.
Should you require further information about VOSA, its work or help with stories or programming related to road safety and environmental protection please contact: Jay Fordham or Miranda Roberts, VOSA, 0117 954 3334/3233, e-mail jeanette.fordham@vosa.gov.uk / miranda.roberts@vosa.gov.uk.
Page last updated: 25/09/2006