16-06-03 VOSA releases results of latest Operation Mermaid check
A national targeted check of goods vehicles held on 10 June resulted in 359 UK registered vehicles receiving prohibitions for roadworthiness defects. A further 50 vehicles were issued with prohibitions for overloading, 33 for breaches of drivers' hours regulations, 6 for defective speed limiters and 4 for contravention of the regulations concerning the carriage of hazardous substances.
The check was one of the Operation Mermaid series and was co-ordinated by the Metropolitan Police at 46 locations across the country.
Bob Tatchell, Operations Director for VOSA said:
"These results show how effective we are at targeting the non compliant operator by using information gained through VOSA's intelligence network. "Checks such as this are a key element of our visible work and are critical as part of our effort to improve road safety. We will continue to work with the police, and other agencies when appropriate, to make sure that our roads are safer for all users."
Detailed results of the check are attached.
NOTES TO EDITORS
The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) was created on 1 April 2003 by merging the Former Vehicle Inspectorate and the Traffic Area Network Division of the Department for Transport. 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: Jay Fordham or Miranda Roberts, VOSA, 0117 954 3334/3233, e-mail jeanette.fordham@vosa.gov.uk / miranda.roberts@vosa.gov.uk.
Page last updated: 25/09/2006