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Vosa should play an increased role in inspecting vehicles entering the UK by performing weight and hours checks at the juxtaposed controls in Calais, according to the Road Haulage Association (RHA). The suggestion was made to the Transport Committee last week as it was hearing oral evidence about Vosa's enforcement activities.

Roger King, RHA chairman, tells Commercial  Motor the association wants Vosa to play a greater role at the point of embarkation in tackling the problem of overloading and excessive driver hours.

"Where we have established juxtaposed controls at Dover and Calais, is it not possible to weigh the vehicles as they come in for Vosa to inspect vehicles on the port side - as well as apprehending vehicles operating overweight?

"The message would soon get out there that the UK is only taking vehicles that are the right weight. Vosa would be able to levy the fines on behalf of the French Government as they would want a share of the fine as well. Charging £200 a day to unload an overloaded [vehicle] would soon send out the right message.

"We do not want to see overloaded trucks, and those not working to Working Time rest periods, taking commercial advantage of those in the UK." Vosa says it has "no plans to carry out checks on vehicles in Calais in the near future".