07-05-04 Roller Brake Tester & Test Hall Project
VOSA has been negotiating with 2 potential suppliers, a contract to introduce a new brake performance test, test equipment and other equipment in VOSA testing stations, together with refurbishment of inspection pits and test hall floors.
VOSA has decided not to continue with those negotiations. Although the roller brake test equipment being offered had potential, VOSA felt that it was not sufficiently developed to enable VOSA to be confident it would deliver a solution that meets VOSA’s requirements. VOSA will therefore be reviewing its requirements and expects to initiate another procurement competition in the near future.
Meanwhile, VOSA will continue to use its existing testing equipment. VOSA is confident that its existing roller brake testers will continue to perform reliably to a satisfactory standard. However for tests where it is not practical to apply VOSA’s load simulator or where the load simulator has insufficient capacity to provide an effective load, VOSA is considering requiring operators to bring vehicles in laden. Before any such decision is taken there will be further consultation with the operator associations.
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NOTES TO EDITORS
The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) was created on 1 April 2003 by merging the Former Vehicle Inspectorate and the Traffic Area Network Division of the Department for Transport. 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.co.uk / miranda.roberts@vosa.gov.uk
Page last updated: 25/09/2006