Transport Committee launches inquiry into the work of VOSA

The Transport Committee is to conduct an inquiry into the work of the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA). VOSA is an agency of the Department for Transport, responsible for enforcing legislation and standards applying to heavy goods vehicles (HGV) and public service vehicles, such as buses. Its work includes administering and supervising vehicle test centres, enforcing vehicle standards and drivers’ hours, and investigating vehicle defects. VOSA works closely with the Traffic Commissioners, who license operators of heavy goods vehicles and public service vehicles and determine whether applicants for licences to drive such vehicles are fit to hold them.

The Transport Committee last looked specifically at VOSA in 2009, although recent reports on bus services have touched on the work of VOSA and the Traffic Commissioners. The Committee intends to follow up the recommendations in the 2009 report.

The enforcement  activities of VOSA: Seventh Report of Session 2008–09 (PDF 1.66MB)

The questions that the Committee will seek to address are set out below:

• Are there still concerns about the standards of some foreign HGVs operating in the UK? What more can be done to improve standards, including at EU level?
• How should arrangements for vehicle test sites be improved
• How can VOSA better support the work of the Traffic Commissioners?
• How should the HGV Road User Levy Bill be implemented? What effect will this new work have on VOSA?

Written evidence would be welcome on some or all of these issues and we would be grateful to receive written submissions by 4 January 2013.

Further Information

• About Parliament: Select Committees
• Topics: Roads