15-03-04 Operation Coachman
The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) has today released its results for this year’s Operation Coachman which ran from 1 to 12 March The operation organised by Dorset Police, involved a nation-wide check of buses and coaches used for transporting children to and from school. These vehicles tend to be drawn from the older section of the PSV fleet.
Vehicle Examiners examined 1205 buses, coaches, minibuses and private hire vehicles for roadworthiness. Of these, 102 received immediate prohibitions and were not allowed to proceed with their journey until the defects had been rectified. Defects included brakes, steering and tyres. There were also 118 delayed prohibitions issued.
Traffic Examiners checked 626 vehicles for traffic offences. Over 90% of vehicles/drivers were found not to be committing offences. 32 offences (including 13 for operator licensing) requiring further investigation were found, and 23 verbal warnings were given for minor infringements.
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