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Vehicle compliance is vital to avoid the scrutiny of the law

12th November 2009
Page 18
Page 18, 12th November 2009 — Vehicle compliance is vital to avoid the scrutiny of the law
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

ON 1 APRIL, officials from VOSA were given new powers to levy Graduated Fixed Penalty notices for some traffic offences (although VOSA did not begin acting on these powers until 28 May).

VOSA figures show that in the first three months, 11,000 fixed penalty notices were issued for a range of offences with more than 800 vehicles being immobilised.

Cynics might suggest the new powers given to VOSA are chiefly to enable foreign hauliers to be punished for committing a variety of offences on UK roads — after all, data highlights that foreign-owned HGVs are responsible for a major number of crashes and offences.

While, the first tranche of VOSA figures highlight that more than 60% of penalty notices were issued to drivers of non-UK vehicles. that still means almost 40% of vehicles stopped were UK-registered.

Enforcement officers can issue a penalty, and where the driver fails to provide a satisfactory address in the UK, take immediate full payment as a deposit for offences such as a mechanical defect or drivers' hours. Officers can also immobilise vehicles where driving hours, weight or vehicle safety rules have been broken.

Keeping records

VOSA described the number of vehicles stopped and the fines levied since their introduction as "encouraging': The system itself might be 'encouraging' for VOSA, and for safety on the UK's roads. but for vehicle operators it means best practice compliance is key. The fixed penalty fine may 'only' be between £30 and £200, but once you're on VOSA's radar, a company is likely to find itself in the spotlight for regular checks.

To avoid falling foul of the law and to ensure no disruption to business efficiency, operators that use fleet management systems have introduced daily defect reporting systems.

As the net closes in on 'rogue' operators, it is imperative firms have a fully auditable record of vehicle maintenance checks and regular inspections in place.

Indeed, drivers at DHL, one of Jaama's long-standing clients, carry out a daily walk-around appraisal of their vehicles, and use a personal digital assistant (PDA) to record `nil' defects or any work needed. Arrangements can then be made for the vehicle to he booked into a workshop.

With most commercial vehicles carrying distinctive liveries and ex

tensive roadside automatic number-plate-recognition cameras in operation, it is not overly difficult to identify 'rogue' elements.

Investigations

That first fine for an overloaded front axle may be an oversight, but for VOSA. the Health and Safety Executive and the police, it could be the start of a greater focus on a firm's entire operation.

Investigations into potential management failures can be long and drawn out. The time taken up to answer questions can literally turn into a full-time job. •

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