12-12-05 VOSA using power to stop in Merseyside
Merseyside is the latest Police force to accredit officers from VOSA with the power to stop goods and passenger vehicles for spot checks.
This new power to stop increases VOSA’s effectiveness and flexibility in targeting vehicles which are likely to break roadworthiness and traffic legislation.
Hugh Edwards, Product Strategy & Policy Director for VOSA, said: "Receiving accreditation from Merseyside Police is a further endorsement of VOSA’s role in targeting unsafe vehicles and drivers for enforcement action."
Inspector Peter Owens of the Force Modernisation Team said: “This new working agreement will further enhance the excellent working partnership between Merseyside Police and VOSA. The decision to accredit officers from VOSA will add flexibility to our joint working practices, and enable VOSA to plan and conduct independent stop checks in the Merseyside Area.”
The Police Reform Act 2002 allows Chief Constables to accredit VOSA staff with the power to stop goods and passenger vehicles. The Power to Stop scheme has already been launched in 39 Police force areas in England and Wales.
VOSA officers wear a special uniform which has been agreed with the Association of Chief Police Officers and clearly defines them as VOSA staff operating under Community Safety Accreditation. The uniform includes a high-visibility yellow jacket with the VOSA name and logo. As well as displaying the approved Community Safety Officers accreditation badge, the officers carry an official VOSA warrant.
NOTES TO EDITOR:
VOSA (Vehicle & Operator Services Agency) is an executive agency of the Department for Transport. It 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: Marka Rifat on 0117 954 3208 / 2605 or marka.rifat@vosa.gov.uk.
Page last updated: 25/09/2006