18-02-08 VOSA signs agreement with trade associations
A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between VOSA and a number of leading Trade Associations was signed on 15 February at VOSA’s headquarters in Bristol.
The document affirms the commitment of all signatories to working together to promote the safe and efficient operation of goods and passenger vehicles. It recognises the need for clear two way communication, mutual respect and cooperation.
At the signing, VOSA Chief Executive Stephen Tetlow said:
“This Agreement is a clear demonstration of VOSA and the Trade Associations’ commitment to working together to raise standards in the transport industry. There are obligations on VOSA to improve the level and quality of services we provide, and on the Trade Associations to work with us and with their members to increase understanding of the regulations and requirements which they operate under.
Communication is key to the success of this agreement, which is just the first step for VOSA in developing an improved relationship with our customers.”
Theo de Pencier, Chief Executive of the Freight Transport Association said:
"The Service Level Agreement is a logical step in improving VOSA's relationship with its customers - the road transport industry - and will work to the benefit of both the Agency and the industry. It creates a level of standards in which all parties can expect a fair and efficient process of working together. On behalf of the Freight Transport Association, I very much welcome this new advance."
Simon Posner, Chief Executive of the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK said:
“We are committed in continuing to work closely with VOSA. We fully support the Memorandum of Agreement, an initiative that further raises awareness and safety standards for passenger carrying vehicles. They do, after all, carry the most important cargo of all - our passengers.”
The MOA is supported by detailed Service Level Agreements on testing and enforcement activities. All documents can be found on the VOSA website (TestingSLA , EnforcementSLA).
- ENDS -
Signing of Agreement
From left to right: Stephen Tetlow (VOSA), Stephen Coles (Retail Motor Industry Federation), John Lewis (British
Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association), Roger King (Road Haulage Association), Simon Posner (Confederation of Passenger Transport), Theo de Pencier (Freight Transport Association).
NOTES TO EDITOR:
The main points of the agreement are as follows:
A high standard of road safety compliance
Ensuring goods vehicles, trailers and passenger vehicles are operated to high standards of roadworthiness
Ensuring an efficient and reliable passage of vehicles through test stations and roadside checks
Ensuring Licensing; Drivers Hours; Loading and Speed Regulations are complied with
Adopting a fair and courteous approach in dealing with drivers, operators, vehicle owners and VOSA personnel
Acknowledging that fees paid by industry should result in a high level of service and efficiency in the administration of testing and enforcement.
Acknowledging that the Industry has a key role to play in the development and delivery of improved road safety and vehicle and driver compliance
Sharing Information and Communicating with operators and vehicle owners
Investment and use of up-to-date technology to efficiently deliver information and services
Co-operation and Joint Championing of agreed processes and procedures to deliver safe operation of vehicles
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: Luke Bigwood on 0117 954 3208 or Zita Easton on 0117 954 2561. You can also e-mail press@vosa.gov.uk
Page last updated: 18/02/2008