29-04-09 VOSA launches new Individual Vehicle Approval Scheme
The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) is launching the Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) inspections service for passenger cars from 29 April 2009. The new IVA service replaces VOSA’s Single Vehicle Approval inspections and mainly affects imports, kit cars and rebuilt vehicles.
The changes are in response to a new European Directive on Whole Vehicle Type approval which details the mandatory implementation dates for all categories of vehicles affected, the first being passenger cars as from 29 April 2009.
The IVA Scheme checks that vehicles entering into service in Great Britain without type approval comply with the law. Even vehicles which appear outwardly similar to European specification models, but are intended for other markets, can often prove unsuitable for use in the United Kingdom without at least some modification. The scheme will ensure that these vehicles have been designed and constructed to be safer on the roads and have a lower impact on the environment.
VOSA has been accepting applications for the new service since 30 March 2009 and will offer physical inspections at its 22 sites nationwide. If required, inspections of heavy goods vehicles, trailers and passenger vehicles are also available from 5 specially equipped VOSA sites at Bishopbriggs (Glasgow), Chadderton (Manchester), Derby, Avonmouth (Bristol) and Gillingham (Kent).
For more information please contact the VOSA Contact Centre on 0300 123 9000
For media enquiries about VOSA, please contact: Zita Easton on 0117 954 2561 or Rachel Hicks on 0117 954 3208. You can also e-mail press@vosa.gov.uk .
Page last updated: 14/05/2009