13-01-04 Anniversary of Impounding
Since the introduction of Impounding in January 2002 over 200 vehicles have been seized. Of these 60 have been returned to lease companies and 108 have been sold or scrapped. Following appeals 25 were returned to the operator and a further 7 were returned as the company had obtained an Operator Licence during the 21 day impounding period.
As well as being operated illegally the majority of vehicles also had mechanical defects including loose wheel nuts, defective brakes and overloading offences.
Commenting Bob Tatchell, VOSA Operations Director said
"Impounding is now an effective enforcement tool, removing non compliant operators from the roads. The sanction of impounding has also led to an increase in operators obtaining operator licences"
Vehicles are taken to a secure compound where it will remain for 21 days. The operator my appeal against wrongful impounding and any appeal must be made within 21 days of the impounding. If an appeal is successful then the vehicle will be returned to the operator, otherwise it will be sold or disposed of.
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.gov.uk / miranda.roberts@vosa.gov.uk.
Page last updated: 25/09/2006