09-12-03 Power to Stop put to use in Northumberland
VOSA staff have been using their power to stop in the Northumberland area. Two checks took place on 28 November targeting small builders and delivery vehicles.
The first check took place at the Tyne Tunnel where 13 builders vehicles were stopped. 9 immediate and 4 delayed prohibitions were issued.
The second check was in Team Valley and 10 delivery vehicles were stopped and examined. 2 immediate prohibitions were issued while another vehicle had been overloaded by 35% !!. One trailers test was out of date by 1 month and there were 2 O licence offences.
The new power has given VOSA the flexibility to carry out roadside checks without putting pressure on Police resources. Roadside checks are an essential part of VOSA’s work in helping to crack down on unroadworthy vehicles and illegal roads users.
For more information on VOSA’s Powers to Stop or to request a leaflet please call 0870 6060440 or visit www.vosa.gov.uk.
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