25-03-03 VOSA Launched
The new Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) begins life this week. Created from the merger of the Vehicle Inspectorate and the Traffic Area Network the new agency is being launched on 3 April by David Jamieson MP, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport. VOSA is part of the DVO Group of the Department for Transport.
VOSA's main objectives will be improving road safety, ensuring fair competition in the road haulage and passenger transport industries and improving customer services to operators and motorists. Its role will include raising compliance through licensing, training, vehicle testing and a range of enforcement activities, for commercial operators. VOSA, working with MOT garages, will also improve the roadworthiness and environmental standards of private motor vehicles and contribute to the reduction of vehicle related crime.
Commenting on the introduction of the new agency David Jamieson said
“I welcome the introduction of this new agency. Working together with partners, both within and outside the DfT, VOSA aims to provide customers with a choice of modern accessible and user-friendly services. This merger is a positive demonstration of the Government's commitment to improving customer service through the joined up delivery of services. VOSA will play a key role in reducing the burden on compliant operators while working towards making our roads safer for all users.”
VOSA will be established with two operating Divisions based on existing VI and TAN functions. There will be a progressive integration of support services and sharing and coordination of information to improve both effectiveness and customer support. Customers will be kept fully informed of changes that affect them.
Traffic Commissioners will remain independent of VOSA as they are of the Department for Transport
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