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VOSA has conceded that it has experienced "teething problems" with the mobile compliance devices (MCDs) it launched a year ago. The hand-held devices are designed to provide VOSA enforcement officers with on-the-spot information about vehicles, operators and drivers that can be instantly updated at the roadside. A spokesman says: "There have been teething troubles with the performance and reliability of the kit following national rollout. These issues are currently being addressed and enhancements  and fixes will be wrapped up in the next release which is due this summer."

VOSA stresses that MCDs can play a vital role in identifying and prosecuting anybody who chooses to break the law. It cites the case of a driver working for Breen International Logistics, based in Wexford, Ireland. The vehicle he was driving was found to be overloaded and immediately prohibited. But checks the next day with an MCD revealed the same vehicle was still under prohibition. Later this year vehicle examiners will start using an MCD and laptop-based application for downloading data from vehicle units and smart cards.