10-02-05 VOSA Using Power To Stop in Hampshire
Hampshire is the latest Police force to accredit officers from VOSA (the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) with the power to stop goods and passenger vehicles for spot-checks.
In the past a Road Policing Officer has always been present during spot-checks as only they had the authority to stop vehicles. This new power to stop commercial vehicles and private motorists will increase VOSA’s effectiveness and flexibility in targeting vehicles which are likely to break roadworthiness and traffic legislation.
Inspector Julie Rawson said “The previous method of working was not always an efficient use of police time and meant VOSA staff were reliant on the availability of uniformed officers to stop vehicles at checks. This new agreement now means Traffic Officers no longer need to be present solely to stop vehicles but instead can concentrate on their core policing duties of casualty reduction and tackling crime and disorder”. Inspector Rawson went on to add that “The presence of VOSA marked vehicles on the road will also provide additional reassurance to the motoring public”.
The Police Reform Act 2002 allows Chief Constables to accredit VOSA staff with the power to stop goods and passenger vehicles. The Power to Stop scheme has already been launched in 29 Police force areas around the country, and, subject to Chief Officers’ agreement, the remaining Police forces in England & Wales are expected to accredit VOSA in the coming months.
Hugh Edwards, Product Strategy & Policy Director for VOSA, said "Receiving accreditation from Hampshire Police is a further endorsement of VOSA’s role in targeting unsafe vehicles and drivers for enforcement action."
VOSA officers will operate using distinctly liveried Ford Galaxies with yellow & black battenburg side markings, yellow & orange chevrons at the rear and a roof bar with amber lights & variable matrix signing. All VOSA accredited staff have received Police training in how to safely stop vehicles.
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Notes to Editors
The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (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.
Page last updated: 25/09/2006