Sharing Intelligence
What information can the public pass to VOSA?
Commercial vehicles operating illegally
The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) works with the public to collate information on lorry and bus operators, to ensure we target those who are non-compliant rather than burdening those who work within road safety and environmental guidelines. VOSA’s intelligence officers will follow up reports on operators disabling tachographs or speedlimiters, running on red deisel, operating against licence requirements and also running vehicles which are affecting environmental standards. Drivers and operators can also report those who aren’t adhering to drivers hours regulations (see Reporting drivers hours breaches
for details on the process). The public can help to reduce vehicle emissions by reporting lorries and buses which are extremely smoky. VOSA will contact the vehicle operator and investigate the report.
You can contact the Intelligence Officer in your area - VOSA Intelligence Areas or email: enquiries@vosa.gov.uk - alternatively ring the VOSA Enquiry Unit via our National Number (0870 60 60 440), which offers operatives trained to receive intelligence related calls. Please state in the email title what type of information is included and complete and attach a reporting form if required Smoky Vehicle Report Form (PDF)
/ Smoky Vehicle Report Form (Word)
. If you want to report a smoky or suspect HGV/PSV vehicle you will need to give some basic information:
- • The vehicle registration number (displayed on the number plate)
- • The type of vehicle (be as specific as possible)
- • The date, time and place where you saw the vehicle, and if possible,
- • The name of the vehicles operator (the company or owner)
When you write to VOSA your letter will be acknowledged, when you phone VOSA we can't provide an acknowledgment. You will not normally be informed of any action taken, but if you see the vehicle regularly you will be able to see if the problem has been fixed. You can report persistent offenders again, which means that further action will be taken. If no action has been taken then it may simply be that the operator or smoke emissions do not actually break the rules.
If you have queries regarding a company requesting for an Operating Licence, please read Raising an Objection against an Operator for further information.
MOT Test and Garage Queries
VOSA monitor the MOT Scheme on behalf of the public, to ensure standards are maintained throughout the UK. The public can report garages who they feel are not offering tests at appropriate standards, or who may be offering certificates which are not authentic (see Checking Certificate Authenticity for further information). If you feel your vehicle has wrongly passed or failed, you are advised to follow the procedure outlined in Appealing against an MOT Test decision, or ring VOSA's national number (0870 60 60 440) to seek advice on how to proceed.
Vehicle Test Queries
VOSA aims to meet the VOSA standards of service at our own garages. If you have any queries regarding the service we offer at our test stations, please review the Complaints Procedure and the VOSA guide to Appealing against a Vehicle Test decision
How can we pass information to VOSA?
You can contact the Intelligence Officer in your area - VOSA Intelligence Areas or email: enquiries@vosa.gov.uk - alternatively ring the VOSA Enquiry Unit via our National Number (0870 60 60 440), which offers operatives trained to receive intelligence related calls. Please state in the email title what type of information is included and complete and attach a reporting form if required.
Smoky Vehicle Report Form (PDF) / Smoky Vehicle Report Form (Word).
If you want to report a smoky or suspect commercial vehicle you will need to give some basic information:
- The vehicle registration number (displayed on the number plate)
- The type of vehicle (be as specific as possible)
- The date, time and place where you saw the vehicle, and if possible,
- The name of the vehicles operator (the company or owner)
When you write to VOSA your letter will be acknowledged, when you phone VOSA we can't provide an acknowledgment. You will not normally be informed of any action taken, but if you see the vehicle regularly you will be able to see if the problem has been fixed. You can report persistent offenders again, which means that further action will be taken. If no action has been taken then it may simply be that the operator or smoke emissions do not actually break the rules.
Appealing against a Vehicle Test decision
Guidelines on what to do if you feel a vehicle has wrongly passed or wrongly failed.
Appealing against an MOT Test decision
What to do if you feel an MOT test decision is wrong.
Checking Certificate Authenticity
Details on who to contact if you believe your MOT certificate is not genuine. [This information is held on an external site.]
Quick Links
News
21-05-08 Court Of Appeal Uphold Decision On Romenteik
VOSA welcomes the news that Romentiek BVBA have failed in their latest attempt to overturn a decision made by the Traffic Commissioner to refuse an appeal for the return of their impounded vehicles.