05-06-06 VOSA and HA increase checks on HGVs on International Journeys
Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) and the Highways Agency (HA) will be increasing their checks on Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) on international journeys, with the initial focus being on the South East of England. The HA chose the South East as a starting point as the problems of road safety, road ware and congestion are most acute in this region.
As part of the initiative, VOSA will be distributing leaflets and flyers in order to publicise the increase in activity. This literature has been specifically produced and will be in English French, German, Spanish and Polish, and Europe’s largest ferry companies and ports have agreed to display them. VOSA officers will be visiting mainland Europe to distribute the literature in person, and would like to express their thanks to the port staff for their help and cooperation in publicising this important initiative.
Background info on the South East International Transport Pilot
Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) and Highways Agency (HA) have agreed to pilot enhanced enforcement working, targeting HGVs on international journeys in the South East of England, where such traffic is greatest and the road safety, road wear, and congestion issues are most acute.
The aim is to enhance VOSA’s enforcement capability and effectiveness, thereby reducing levels of offending (particularly drivers’ hours, overloading and roadworthiness) and to measure the effect that this has on the number of non-recurrent congestion incidents caused by HGVs in the area. Ultimately these activities will assist in making UK roads safer and help with the flow of traffic, therefore reducing journey times.
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NOTES TO EDITOR:
VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) 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 enquiries about VOSA, please contact: Henry Norman on 0117 954 3208/henry.norman@vosa.gov.uk or Zita Galambosi on 0117 954 2561/zita.galambosi@vosa.gov.uk
Page last updated: 03/10/2006