26-07-05 VOSA Use Power to Stop in Thames Valley
Thames Valley is the latest Police force to accredit officers from VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) with the power to stop lorries, buses and coaches for spot-checks.
In the past, police have 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.
Hugh Edwards, Product Strategy & Policy Director for VOSA, says: "Receiving accreditation from Thames Valley Police is a further endorsement of VOSA’s role in targeting unsafe vehicles and drivers for enforcement action."
VOSA officers will wear a special uniform which has been agreed with the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and clearly defines them as VOSA staff operating under Community Safety Accreditation. The uniform includes a high-visibility yellow jacket with the VOSA name and logo, and epaulettes with the words ‘Vehicle & Operator Services Agency’. As well as displaying the approved Community Safety Officers accreditation badge, the officers will carry an official VOSA warrant.
Superintendent Mick Doyle Head of Roads Policing says: “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 Roads Policing 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. 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 38 Police force areas around the country, and, subject to Chief Officers’ agreement, the few remaining Police forces in England & Wales are expected to accredit VOSA in the coming months.
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Notes to editor
There will be an opportunity to interview senior police and VOSA personnel on Wednesday 27 July at 10am at the Marcham Interchange Weighbridge on the A34. Please ask for Thames Valley Police Public Relations Officer Annie Tyson.
A VOSA stop-check will be conducted at this time to allow press to photograph the operation and interview VOSA officers.
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 accidents, defects and recalls.
For further information about VOSA, please contact: Zita Galambosi on 0117 954 2561 / Zita.Galambosi@vosa.gov.uk, or Marka Rifat on 0117 954 3438 / marka.rifat@vosa.gov.uk
Page last updated: 25/09/2006