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Vosa targets LCVs to help raise standards uy Uhl indaLL

4th July 2013, Page 8
4th July 2013
Page 8
Page 8, 4th July 2013 — Vosa targets LCVs to help raise standards uy Uhl indaLL
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MOUNTING CONCERNS over a move by some hauliers towards operating LCVs rather than lorries has prompted Vosa to roll out a targeted programme of checks across 20 cities.

It follows recent comments by the agency's external relations director Peter Hearn that there was "no government appetite" for regulation in the LCV sector.

Official figures for first time MoT failure rates demonstrate the scale of the problem: 50% for Class 7 vehicles, compared with 25% for LGVs.

A Vosa spokesman told Corn mercial Motor Hearn's views were shared by the agency, as well as the Department for Transport (DfT).

"During 2013, Vosa is conducting a targeted programme to address this situation and raise the standards of the [light goods vehicle] industry," he said. "The majority who try to be compliant will be offered education and advice to enable them to achieve their goal of operating safe and compliant vehicles.

"The minority who have no desire to comply will be subject to enforcement action in an effort to force compliance," he said.

The spokesman added that the first checks would be directed towards the building trade.

Mark Cartwright, head of vans and LCVs at the Freight Transport Association, said some operators treat their vehicle in the same way motorists treat their car, relying on MoT tests to uncover faults.

However, he added that many van operators were professional and maintained their fleet to a high standard.

"Clearly, there's an issue over MoT failure rates," he said. "The message from us is, if you are going to concentrate activity, aim it where it's needed."


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