05-12-05 Are you Sitting Comfortably?
VOSA will start checking the condition and operation of seat belts in HGVs during an annual test from 1 January 2006.
The inspection will be on an advisory basis until 1 April 2006. After that date, vehicles with seat belt defects will fail the test.
“We are taking this two-stage approach to allow operators and presenters a little time to become familiar with the test standard before the official start of the check. An information leaflet on this change in the test will be available at VOSA’s HGV testing stations and Designated Premises from this month,” said Kevin Warden, of VOSA’s Heavy Vehicle Testing Scheme.
While both driver and front passenger seat belts are mandatory for vehicles first used on or after 1 October 2001 any seat belt fitted, irrespective of vehicle age, will be tested. This includes forward facing seats fitted behind the driver and front passenger seats, such as in crew type cabs.
The seat belt check will cover:
- presence and type of belt
- anchorage points
- locking mechanisms
- condition of webbing
- seat belt fittings
- seat condition (if the seat belt is anchored to the seat)
Section 3 of the HGV Inspection Manual has been amended to reflect the test procedure and standards to be applied. Until the replacement pages are printed, the amended pages can be found on VOSA’s website: go to www.vosa.gov.uk, click on ‘Publications’, then ‘Manuals & Guides’, then ‘Updates to HGV Inspection Manual’.
The current HGV Inspection Manual already refers to seat belt requirements for mini-articulated vehicles. These come under the Goods Vehicles (Plating and Testing) Regulations 1988 and there are no changes to the requirements for these vehicles.
- Ends -
Notes to editor:
VOSA (Vehicle & Operator Services Agency) is an executive agency 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 accidents, defects and recalls
For media inquiries about VOSA, please contact: Zita Galambosi on 0117 954 2561 / zita.galambosi@vosa.gov.uk, or Marka Rifat on 0117 954 3208 / marka.rifat@vosa.gov.uk
Page last updated: 25/09/2006