16-08-06 Operation Tourist 2006 Results
The 11th annual Operation Tourist took place across the UK between 8 July and 6 August 2006, focusing on coaches and buses (PSVs) carrying passengers on national and international journeys. VOSA assisted in this Police-led operation, which is co-ordinated by the National Roads Policing Forum, with its Traffic Examiners and Vehicle Examiners conducting many of the checks. The operation is conducted annually in response to the increase in PSVs travelling during the summer months.
Results of VOSA’s checks
Roadworthiness
391 passenger carrying vehicles were checked (384 UK-registered vehicles and seven foreign).
Of the 384 UK vehicles checked, 81 prohibitions were issued (37 immediate and 44 delayed), with brakes and tyres being the most common defects.
Of the seven foreign vehicles checked, one immediate prohibition was issued.
Traffic offences
301 passenger carrying vehicles were checked (281 UK-registered vehicles and 20 foreign).
Of the 281 UK vehicles checked, 11 prohibitions and 65 verbal warnings were issued for drivers’ hours offences. Also, 10 Rectification Notices and 10 Reports For Further Investigation were issued for drivers’ records/hours, and operators’ and drivers’ licence offences.
Of the 20 foreign vehicles checked, one prohibition and eight verbal warnings were issued.
(Note, not all vehicles were inspected for both roadworthiness and traffic offences.)
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NOTES TO EDITOR:
Background
In 1995 police forces nationally became increasingly concerned at the standard of vehicles carrying passengers on national and international journeys. This resulted in a national operation organised by National Roads Policing Forum.
This year’s Operation Tourist, which took place during the period 8 July to 6 August 2006, marked the operation’s 11th anniversary. VOSA has traditionally supported the police in these operations with its Vehicle Examiners and Traffic Examiners, though some police forces also use their own Vehicle Examiners.
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: Zita Galambosi on 0117 954 2561 / zita.galambosi@vosa.gov.uk, or Henry Norman on 0117 954 3438 / henry.norman@vosa.gov.uk
Page last updated: 03/10/2006