01-07-04 Operation Tourist 2004
Once again the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) is taking part this summer in a nationwide road safety check on buses and coaches travelling on major holiday routes. The check codenamed “Operation Tourist” is being co-ordinated by the Avon and Somerset Police.
VOSA will be checking the mechanical condition of the coaches and checking documentation, tachographs, drivers’ rest periods and other matters to ensure that holidaymakers get to their destination safely.
Jeff Belt, Operations Director of VOSA said:
“These checks have proved very successful in improving road safety over the last few years. They are an excellent example of the close working relationship between the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency and the Police. It is important that we work together to ensure that safety standards are properly maintained and that passengers are not put at risk”
No-one should be delayed for more than half an hour while vehicle and traffic examiners check the safety of the bus or coach in which they are travelling, unless serious defects are discovered. To minimise inconvenience the check sites will be at locations where passengers will have access to telephone, toilets and refreshment facilities.
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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
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.gsi.gov.uk / miranda.roberts@vosa.gsi.gov.uk
Page last updated: 25/09/2006