04-04-06 Another VOSA success in targeting unsafe foreign vehicles
At the end of March the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) took part in a multi agency check in Spalding, Lincolnshire. The check was set up by Lincolnshire Police in response to the growing number of fatal and serious injury road accidents involving minibuses that carry foreign workers.
VOSA enforcement officers examined 37 vehicles during the check. Of the 37 vehicles 15 defective vehicles were issued with prohibition notices - 80% of which meant immediate prohibition from driving the vehicle - on safety critical systems such as braking systems, steering and suspension systems and tyres. As a result of the check six minibus operators were also reported for operating without the required operator’s licence. A large number of vehicles were also impounded by the Police and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) for failing to demonstrate vehicle insurance and/or Vehicle Excise Duty.
John Bruce, VOSA’s Senior Vehicle Examiner said: ‘The high prohibition rate of the check fits in with the key target of targeting non-compliant operators and it proves that there is a major problem with unroadworthy vehicles on our roads. We take this check as a big success of our enforcement work and VOSA will continue to cooperate with other agencies and the Police to target more non-compliant operators and unsafe vehicles.’
-ENDS-
Notes to the editor:
VOSA 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 accident, defects and recalls
For media enquiries about VOSA please contact: Zita Galambosi on 0117 954 2561 or zita.galambosi@vosa.gsi.gov.uk or contact Henry Norman on 0117 954 3208 or send an email to Henry.Norman@vosa.gsi.gov.uk.
Page last updated: 25/09/2006