http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/newsandevents/pressreleases/2004pressreleases/29-07-04ministerlaunchesvosaspowertostop.htm9-07-04 Minister launches VOSA's Power to Stop
New powers to allow VOSA officers to stop lorries for checks on vehicle and driver compliance without the need for police support were officially launched by Roads Minister David Jamieson today. This will increase VOSA’s effectiveness and flexibility in targeting unroadworthy vehicles and the minority of drivers who break our road traffic laws. It will also free up valuable traffic police resources, allowing the police to concentrate on tackling crime and reducing road casualties.
Until the new powers were agreed, police officers had always to be present during spot-checks as only they had the authority to stop the vehicles. This was not always an efficient use of police time and meant VOSA staff were reliant on the availability of uniformed officers to carry out checks.
David Jamieson said:
"This is good news for road users. Trials of the new powers have been a great success and have demonstrated that as well as freeing up valuable police resources they have improved effectiveness in targeting unroadworthy vehicles that endanger other road users, and helped to combat the minority of drivers who break the laws of the road".
A pilot scheme for Power to Stop involved six police forces, Cambridgeshire, North Wales, Northumberland, Greater Manchester, Staffordshire and Metropolitan.
A number of other forces have recently accredited VOSA staff and the remaining forces in England and Wales will, subject to Chief Officers’ agreement, accredit VOSA over the coming months.
Also attending the event are representatives from the 5 South West based Police forces and from commercial vehicle trade associations.
-----------------ENDS----------------
NOTES TO EDITORS
VOSA's Power to Stop initiative was launched at VOSA's Tormarton checksite near Bristol.
The Police Reform Act 2002 allows Chief Constables to accredit VOSA staff with the power to stop goods and passenger vehicles.
VOSA officers will operate using distinctly liveried Ford Galaxies with yellow & black battenburg side markings, yellow & orange chevrons at the rear and a roof bar with amber lights & variable matrix signing.
The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (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
Should you require further information about VOSA, its work or help with stories or programming related to road safety and environmental protection please contact.
******
Anything other than the above, then the Vosa officer may have exceed their powers, and could be subject to answering to the powers, should a complaint being brought to their attention I would of thought :-?
Author
Topic: Traffic Operator Services Agency (Read 586 times)