16-02-04 Blackout Blitz
The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) has started a blitz on drivers who have illegally tinted windows. The crackdown follows concerns that have been raised over the number of vehicles being driven with heavily tinted windscreens and front side windows. Many drivers do not realise that their vision is significantly impaired when looking through tinted glass and are often unaware that heavy tinted glass is illegal.
VOSA are now stopping vehicles with tinted windows and checking them for opacity using specialised equipment. If the windows are found to be over the legal tint limit the vehicle will be prohibited and cannot be driven until the tint is removed.
Motorists who do not rectify the problem will be prosecuted.
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