12-03-04 Happy Birthday As and Ds
The idea of having an official publication which listed all those applying for a goods vehicle license and those who had been granted one originated in the early 1930s. 70 years on and “Applications and Decisions” has the same name, front cover, layout and even some of the operators remain the same!
However, much has changed over the years, with a move away from quantity licensing (based on capacity) - to quality licensing (based on the operators ability to meet set standards.)
The most significant change to the publication has been driven by VOSA’s move towards providing electronic services to its customers. Those who wished to receive the publication by email can now do so. This has proved to be extremely popular- 50% of recipients now receive As and Ds electronically.
The most innovative part of the new service is a search facility of the publication on VOSA’s website. Those who want to search for a particular individual, or town name, or postcode simply have to input their search criterion and up pops the results without having to trawl through all the publications.
VOSA’s new website- including searchable A’s and D’s- will go live on April 1st.
Visit: www.vosa.gov.uk
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