VOSA investigation, Motor offence solicitors Nottingham, UK

VOSA investigations

Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA)

VOSA provide a range of licensing, testing and enforcement services. Their aim is to improve roadworthiness standards of vehicles ensuring the compliance of operators and drivers, and supporting the independent Traffic Commissioners.

VOSA is responsible for:-

Carrying out roadside spot-checks for commercial and other vehicles
Safety and environmental standards
Overloading
Drivers’ hours
Operator licensing
Vehicle licensing
Vocational driver’s licences.

Checks are made at the roadside or at weighbridges which are permanent sites.

VOSA enforcement support officers (VESO) can issue Fixed Penalty Notices to drivers at the roadside in respect of drivers’ hours and overloading offences.

An authorised examiner can make a test of a motor vehicle at the roadside. An authorised examiner may include a Constable or a Traffic Warden. Depending on how serious the defect is, you can defer the test to a later date. Your vehicle maybe required to be taken to a test centre of no more than five miles away.

It is an offence to obstruct a VOSA examiner carrying out a test and this is punishable by a fine.

Drivers’ daily vehicle checks are crucial as failure to conduct checks can result in Fixed Penalty Notices. Fixed Penalty Notices are set at different amounts depending on the offence.

All VOSA examiners are trained to deal with dangerous goods vehicles and they are fully authorised to carry out inspections.

If non-compliance is found then Prohibition Notices are generally issued. If VOSA interviews are conducted at the roadside then these will be carried out under caution and notes will be taken at that time. Specific questions will be asked relevant to the offence(s). Further investigation will take place which could lead to prosecution by VOSA.

VOSA impose Fixed Penalty Notices and also regularly prosecute drivers and operators. Matters can also get reported to the Traffic Commissioners and a Public Inquiry maybe called at which regulatory action maybe taken against an Operator's Licence. A driver may also be called to an LGV entitlement hearing.

For advice on VOSA and their powers or assistance with a VOSA prosecution or at an Operator Licensing Public Inquiry call now and speak to one of our solicitors on Freephone 0800 0463066, learn more from our transport law blog or continuing reading through our road traffic law website. We have offices in Nottingham but offer a Nationwide Service..