VOSA traffic enforcement vans.

[robsco]

Do these have the ability to issue endorsements now? There's been a few doing the rounds on local motorways recently, they have the speed camera logos on the side of them too. Interested to know whether we should slow down or whether the camera sign indicates ANPR only.

Edited by robsco on Thursday 29th September 08:36

[Babu 01]

ANPR only.

No powers to issue speed related penalties.

[R0G]

Babu 01 said:

ANPR only.

No powers to issue speed related penalties.

no powers to issue moving traffic violations would be more accurate

[Dwight VanDriver]

VOSA Traffic examiners under Road Safety Act 2006 can issue FPN's for offences comming to light in their field of expertise but NOT for moving traffic offences.

dvd

[R0G]

VOSA sanctions list - https://online.businesslink.gov.uk/Transport_files...

[TPS]

Babu 01 said:

ANPR only.

No powers to issue speed related penalties.

The camera sign is there because they have cameras fitted to record vehicles (hgv's lgv's etc) that fail to stop for them.

[R0G]

TPS said:

The camera sign is there because they have cameras fitted to record vehicles (hgv's lgv's etc) that fail to stop for them.

Applies to cars as well - failure for a car driver not to stop when indicated to do so by VOSA is an offence

[Babu 01]

R0G said:

Babu 01 said:

ANPR only.

No powers to issue speed related penalties.

no powers to issue moving traffic violations would be more accurate

As we were discussing non tacho vehicles I think my point stands.

Also, can a fixed penalty for speeding be issued by VOSA after a roadside tacho check?

Or would they take copies of the charts / digitach and if you're unlucky enough for them to process it in time then call you to magistrates where the penalty would be issued by the court?

[Babu 01]

R0G said:

Applies to cars as well - failure for a car driver not to stop when indicated to do so by VOSA is an offence

Really?

I thought that after they switched from having the powers to stop granted by individual Police forces to a blanket powers granted by the Secretary of State they could only stop commercial vehicles.

Woodfines legal said:

The basic proposal is that is that there be new powers to allow "appointed VOSA officers" to stop commercial vehicles for inspection. Powers would be aligned so that they are identical throughout the United Kingdom. VOSA stopping officers would in future be appointed by the Secretary of State, not the Police, as under the existing regime.

The proposals would mean changes in existing legislation and the Government would intend spelling out specific powers for VOSA Stopping Officers to stop commercial vehicles for 'specific tests and checks'. In practice this would mean checks on the following areas:

Vehicle roadworthiness
Weight checks
Offices under the Road Traffic Act 1988
EU/Domestic Drivers' Hours checks including equipment and document checking
Operators' Licence
Community authorisations/documents (in both Goods and Passenger Sector)
Cabotage compliance
Driver CPC compliance

The Government intends to make the necessary changes through Section 2(2) European Communities Act 1972 as the checks and tests outlined above are required by EU law including directives requiring targeted roadside inspections.

http://www.woodfines.co.uk/news_article.php?id=33

DfT Business Link said:

When you're driving any type of occupational vehicle, you may be asked to stop by a police officer or a Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) enforcement support officer. They can stop both public service vehicles and heavy goods vehicles. Both the Police and Examiners have the power to carry out spot checks on your vehicle and issue prohibitions if they are necessary.

http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/detail?itemId=1082015215&type=RESOURCES

[mph1977]

highway code rules 107 and 108

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Hig...

Other stopping procedures
107
Vehicle & Operator Services Agency Officers have powers to stop vehicles on all roads, including motorways and trunk roads, in England and Wales. They will attract your attention by flashing amber lights
either from the front requesting you to follow them to a safe place to stop
or from behind directing you to pull over to the side by pointing and/or using the left indicator
It is an offence not to comply with their directions. You MUST obey any signals given (see 'Signals by authorised persons').
[Laws RTA 1988, sect 67, & PRA 2002, sect 41 & sched 5(8)]
Download 'Signals by authorised persons' (PDF, 123K)Opens new window
Help with PDF files
108
Highways Agency Traffic Officers have powers to stop vehicles on most motorways and some ‘A’ class roads, in England only. If HA traffic officers in uniform want to stop your vehicle on safety grounds (e.g. an insecure load) they will, where possible, attract your attention by
flashing amber lights, usually from behind
directing you to pull over to the side by pointing and/or using the left indicator
You MUST then pull over and stop as soon as it is safe to do so. Then switch off your engine. It is an offence not to comply with their directions (see 'Signals by authorised persons').
[Law RTA1988, sects 35 &163 as amended by TMA 2004, sect 6]
Download 'Signals by authorised persons' (PDF, 123K)Opens new window
Help with PDF files

and the 'signals by authorised persons' pages

http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_...

[R0G]

Babu 01 said:

R0G said:

Applies to cars as well - failure for a car driver not to stop when indicated to do so by VOSA is an offence

Really?

YUP - thanks mph1977 for the relevant info

[robsco]

Interesting information, cheers all.

[streaky]

"Highways Agency Traffic Officers have powers to stop vehicles on most motorways and some ‘A’ class roads" - and, pray, how is Jo Motorist supposed to know on which A roads they have this authority?

Streaky

[Elroy Blue]

If they're stood behind behind a big, high vis 4x4 with lights flashing, they're probably doing it for a purpose, so probably worth stoping anyway.

However, HA will not operate on non designated roads, even if we ask.

[SS2.]

streaky said:

"Highways Agency Traffic Officers have powers to stop vehicles on most motorways and some ‘A’ class roads" - and, pray, how is Jo Motorist supposed to know on which A roads they have this authority?

They have the authority to stop any mechanically propelled vehicle (or cycle) on any road, but they do not operate on all roads.

[The Highway Man]

streaky said:

pray, how is Jo Motorist supposed to know on which A roads they have this authority?

Streaky

Dotted along the road will be large signs stating that the road is operated by the Highways Agency.

[Babu 01]

mph1977 said:

highway code rules 107 and 108


[Laws RTA 1988, sect 67, & PRA 2002, sect 41 & sched 5(8)]

Please note the info I quoted came into effect 2010.

VOSA powers to stop were originally granted by indivisual Police forces and gave them the same powers as Police Officers.

In 2010 that arrangement was abolished and VOSA were given powers to stop by the Secretary of State, relating to commercial vehicles only.

VOSA would very much like to keep that quiet as they see themselves as being on a par with the Police but the reality is they are a cross between a HATO, a PCSO and a PITA.

Edited by Babu 01 on Sunday 2nd October 22:33

Edited by Babu 01 on Sunday 2nd October 22:34

[mph1977]

Babu care to provide links to the actual legisation rather than second and third hand interpretations of the legislation ?

[streaky]

streaky said:

"Highways Agency Traffic Officers have powers to stop vehicles on most motorways and some ‘A’ class roads" - and, pray, how is Jo Motorist supposed to know on which A roads they have this authority?

SS2. said:

They have the authority to stop any mechanically propelled vehicle (or cycle) on any road, but they do not operate on all roads.

The Highway Man said:

Dotted along the road will be large signs stating that the road is operated by the Highways Agency.

Streaky