AT THE HEART OF THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.

Call our Sales Team on 0208 912 2120

Vosa isn't perfect, but better than it was I WOULD

11th April 2013, Page 12
11th April 2013
Page 12
Page 12, 11th April 2013 — Vosa isn't perfect, but better than it was I WOULD
Close
Noticed an error?
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.

Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

LIKE to come to the defence of the vehicle examiner who issued a PG9 for a vehicle that was in the workshop (CM4 April). I've come across the same scenario, but the explanation of the vehicle examiner was that once he had found the fault, he was bound to issue the PG9 because if he didn't there was nothing to stop the vehicle being used without being repaired. Without issuing the PG9 he could be seen to have given the vehicle a clean bill of health.

PG9s and drivers' hours infringements are sometimes issued wrongly, but they are in the minority and, unlike a few years ago, they will be lifted if the operator appeals.

I hear lots of stories too, but they are seldom backed by evidence. I have witnessed a PG9 about to be issued until I pointed out to the vehicle examiner that the vehicle had passed the MoT the day before. "We better forget that then — we don't want egg on our face," was his response. He then went on to examine another vehicle and trailer and missed a side marker light that was not working.

When there is pressure to perform, there will always be those who are over-zealous, but surely that is better than what we had before when performance was gauged by numbers. Then, you performed better the more vehicles you stopped, weighed etc. I've known of a weight check where empty vehicles were weighed just to get the numbers up.

The system needs an independent complaints procedure such as the police have. It's the fear of having that imposed on them that has made Vosa more responsive to appeals against PG9s. Doug Sturman Jireh Road Transport Specialist Services Woodbridge, Suffolk


comments powered by Disqus