MPs concerned big hauliers may be missing VOSA scrutiny
MPs have raised concerns that the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) – responsible for enforcing safety standards for heavy goods vehicles and public service vehicles – may not be paying sufficient attention to the roadworthiness of big haulage firms by focusing instead on smaller operators who are more often non-compliant, but are less often on the road.
The MPs have voiced their concerns about the pace at which VOSA is introducing vehicle testing sites owned by the private sector.
The Transport Select Committee said the way in which this is being done could potentially undermine the safety of HGVs on UK roads and be bad for businesses.
Since 2010 VOSA has sought gradually to replace its own testing sites with Authorised Testing Facilities (ATFs) which are run by private sector owners but rely on VOSA’s staff to carry out tests.
The committee said it broadly welcomed VOSA’s approach to this transition but was concerned over the pace of change, in particular VOSA’s ability to provide testing staff to new ATFs and how it could ensure smaller operators have access to ATFs, especially in remote areas.
Introducing a report on the Work of the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency, committee chair Louise Ellman said: “We believe that VOSA’s road safety record is testament to the high standards of VOSA’s staff. We would not like to see this jeopardised by expanding the use of private ATFs too quickly.
“We are not persuaded that testing staff should be employed directly by Authorised Testing Facilities but VOSA has an obligation to provide staff at the right places at the right times for the industry.
“VOSA should also bear in mind that a testing market that rests exclusively on ATFs may not be in the best interests of business generally and the small operator in particular.”
The committee said it welcomed VOSA’s success in enforcing roadworthiness standards for non-GB vehicles in recent years. However, the MPs remained worried at the number of drivers’ hours and tachograph offences being detected.
