13-09-04 VOSA Hosts European Traffic Examiner Exchange
This week 12 Traffic Examiners from France, Belgium, Luxembourg, The Netherlands and Eire take part in a European Enforcement Harmonisation programme hosted by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency. The visit will give the examiners an understanding of UK enforcement practices and an opportunity to learn about the problems our Traffic Examiners encounter at roadside checks. Our colleagues will also gain an understanding of the UK licensing systems, including the practical application of procedures and the relevant legislation. For the first time in its 12 year history, the exchange will take place outside England, in Edinburgh, with VOSA representatives from all across Scotland contributing to the weeks’ proceedings.
The programme for the visit includes sessions on the role of VOSA, how we work with the UK Operator Licensing system, developments in technology, and the English and Scottish legal processes. There will also be visits to the VOSA check site at Craigforth on the A9 and to a PSV operator premises in Edinburgh. The aim is to give the visitors a better understanding of the relationships our Traffic Examiners have with other organisations.
Commenting on the visit Jeff Belt - VOSA’s Operations Director said:
“It is a pleasure to welcome our Traffic Examiner colleagues from other parts of Europe to Edinburgh. This annual exchange reinforces the links that have developed over the last few years between our Traffic Examiners and their European counterparts. Understanding the working practices of other European countries has led to a greater flow of intelligence information between the countries ensuring that we continue to grow our ability to target operators who endanger road safety and the environment.”
The visitors will be staying in Edinburgh throughout the week and will have the opportunity to experience some of the culture on offer, with a tour of the city and a trip to the Royal Yacht Britannia. As a way of improving communication between our European colleagues, the exchange is conducted in English and French, which should also help improve their spoken English skills so making dealing with UK drivers easier when they return home.
Traffic Examiners from VOSA will be making reciprocal trips to France and The Netherlands next year to learn about practices and procedures in Europe.
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NOTES TO EDITORS
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.
Page last updated: 25/09/2006