VOSA

 

The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) was formed in April 2003 following the merger of the Vehicle Inspectorate and the Traffic Area Network division of the Department for Transport.

VOSA provides a range of licensing, testing and enforcement services with the aim of improving standards of roadworthiness when it comes to vehicles, ensuring the compliance of operators and drivers with road traffic legislation and supporting the Traffic Commissioners (TCs).

What VOSA does

Licensing

VOSA provides administrative support to the TCs in processing applications for O-licences.

Testing and inspections

VOSA conducts statutory annual testing for lorries at test stations and at private sector-owned approved testing premises (designated premises). It is also in the process of setting up an Authorised Testing Facilities scheme to enable operators to run their own test centres, which would be manned by VOSA staff. To book a test, call 0300 1239000 or go online.

Enforcement and compliance

VOSA officers support the TCs to help them make informed decisions on: operator licensing, vocational drivers and identifying operators against which it may be appropriate to take disciplinary action by gathering and evaluating a range of data.

The organisation undertakes routine and targeted checks at the roadside and at operators' premises to check compliance with other road traffic legislation (eg drivers' hours and load weights). VOSA officers also provide specialised inspections for premises storing and vehicles transporting dangerous goods, perishable foodstuffs and goods sealed for Customs purposes. VOSA also approves applications from operators wanting to run lorries at increased weights.

The agency completes the administration required when Vocational Driver Conduct cases are referred to TCs by the DVLA.

VOSA officers conduct accident investigation in conjunction with the police to find out whether it was a defect with the vehicle that contributed to the incident. They also carry out technical research into potential manufacturing or design defects, highlighting safety concerns and monitoring safety recalls.

Training and education

VOSA provides education and advice at the roadside, at hauliers' operating premises and on a one-to-one basis. This includes publications, videos and seminars to improve the compliance of operators and drivers with roadworthiness and traffic regulations.

Other things you can check on VOSA's website:

• Operator Licensing Self-Service, which allows operators to check their O-licence details, add and remove vehicles from their licence(s) and track ongoing applications.
• Lorry and Bus Operator Search, which can be used to find O-licence holders. It uses a town name, a postcode, a person's name or an operator/trading name as a locator.
• Publications search, which gives access to all applications and decisions, and notices and proceedings released by VOSA.

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