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Bus and Coach
News
Transportoffice.gov.uk
October ‘07
Agencies of the
Department for Transport
Stop Press:
The Driver Certificate
of Professional
Competence (CPC)
for drivers of buses
and coaches is coming
into force on 10
September 2008.
After that, new drivers
The Transport Office website
will sit an enhanced
theory and practical test
to gain the qualification
before they can drive
professionally. Drivers
already working in the
Operators, drivers,
this Website is for you!
industry won’t need to
pass an initial test, but
will need to undertake
periodic training to gain
their Driver CPC.
Transportoffice.gov.uk makes it easier to find the full range of
Will you be ready?
See page 5. commercial driver, vehicle and operator information by bringing it all
together in one place. The site also gives access to existing services
VOSA is now taking
bookings for low such as operator self service.
emissions tests in all You are able to go to this single website and find all the information and
test stations.
services from DVLA, DSA, VCA and VOSA websites.
Have you booked
yours yet? Find out Bookmark the new site or add it to your favourites and find it all on
more on page 16. www.Transportoffice.gov.uk
MIS203
one 9/07
Transportoffice.gov.uk
Introduction
VOSA is well aware that bus and coach data. It’s not over yet, as next September sees
operators have an awful lot of new legislation the introduction of driver CPC in our sector and
to comply with at the moment. Many of your TfL introduces the Low Emission Zone.
businesses will have been affected by the VOSA’s role is to enforce and to test, but it’s
new drivers’ hours rules. also to support the industry, providing solid
Coach operators will have advice on regulations and implementing new
been reworking tours or requirements in a sensible way. For example,
making other arrangements this year we published a suite of new Guides
after the loss of the “12-day on Safe Operation, Roadworthiness and Drivers
rule”. Rural bus operators Hours, including a multi-lingual DVD on page
are getting to grips with 13. On the fitting of tachographs to vehicles
using tachographs on used on over 50km regular services, we agreed
Digital Tachographs –
the 50km+ routes. Digital with CPT that we would only expect drivers
tachographs are gradually to use them once all the relevant vehicles had
forcing computers into been fitted.
every transport office.
The Government is
We hope you find this magazine useful and that
you find the time to come along to see us at our
are you compliant?
consulting now on the stand no A110 in Hall 19.
Local Transport Bill
including new powers for TCs Kevin Rooney
Director, Passenger Vehicles Sector Are you wondering how digital The Digital Tachograph card is a plastic card
in relation to local authorities, which many of you similar in size to a photo driving licence/credit card,
VOSA tachographs are affecting your business?
may welcome, but also new as yet unspecified with a microchip in it.
requirements for sharing bus service performance Are you concerned about drivers’ hours
and smart cards? Requests from individual drivers for Digital
Tachograph driver packs can be made by phone
If you are confused and want some clear answers, on 0870 850 1074 between 8am and 8.30pm,
find out from our experts on our stand No. A110 Monday to Friday, and 8am and 5.30pm
Minimum driving test vehicle
in Hall 19. on Saturdays.
Bulk requests for Driver application packs
Background
regulations for minibuses The biggest difference between the analogue
from Companies can be made direct to
DVLA D-Stores. The procedures for ordering
tachograph and the digital tachograph is the are as follows:
Any vehicle presented for use at test must use of a smart card instead of the record Fax on 01792 783525 or 01792 788027
meet minimum test vehicle standards. sheets (often called charts, discs, tachos) Your request must be made on Company
All vehicles need to have externally mounted used in analogue tachographs. headed stationery.
nearside and offside mirrors and seatbelts fitted
There are 4 cards (collectively known as Please state the number of packs you require:
to seats used by the examiner or any person
Tachograph cards that are used by the digital
supervising the test. ST1A – Digital tachograph driver packs,
tachograph system:
There have been recent changes to the minimum ST2A – Digital tachograph company packs
Driver card – used by drivers to allow the
driving test vehicle regulations for minibuses. The Please state the delivery address and a telephone
recording of drivers’ hours.
current regulations state that a Passenger Carrying contact number.
Vehicle (PCV) with 9 – 16 passenger seats must Company card – for use by the operator to protect
have a Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of at and download the data.
least four tonnes, must be at least five metres in Workshop card – available only to approved
length and capable of 80 km/h (50 mph), as well as calibration centres.
being fitted with ABS and tachograph.
Control card – available only to VOSA and
If you have any queries regarding this regulation, Police for carrying out enforcement.
please contact the Technical Standards Branch at
DSA, Stanley House, Nottingham.
two three
Transportoffice.gov.uk
Operator self-
service – make life
easy on yourself, and
register today...
VOSA is continually improving its public
services for operators. Operator licence
holders can now transact their ‘O’
licensing business on-line at
www.transportoffice.gov.uk/ol
Once you have registered and logged onto
the self-service system, you will be able to:
n Access your own records Operator Self-Service Home Page
n Track progress on applications and
view any objections Registering for Operator self-service is easy,
n Add and remove vehicles all licence holders need to do is:
n Transfer vehicles between licences n Have their operator licence number to hand
held in different Traffic Areas n Go to www.transportoffice.gov.uk/ol
n Change your address or trading name n Click on Operator licensing self service
n Add and remove a Partner or Director (top middle of front page)
n Add or remove a Transport Manager n Click the register button
(Standard National or Standard International The registration pages will guide licence holders
licences only) through the process. The user name selected will
n Add, remove, increase or decrease authority be confirmed back by e-mail and a password will
at an Operating centre. be sent by post.
The Driving Standards Agency is introducing a order that they can then drive professionally. If you
new qualification for professional bus, coach already drive professionally on the date Driver CPC
and lorry drivers – the Driver Certificate of is introduced, you won’t need to do an initial test
Professional Competence (CPC). to qualify. You will however need to complete your
Make life easy The new Driver CPC will be introduced in
September 2008 for bus and coach drivers and in
periodic training.
A Driver Qualification Card will be used to show
on yourself, and September 2009 for lorry drivers. that drivers hold Driver CPC.
There will be penalties for non-compliance, such as
register today... Driver CPC is intended to improve road safety
and reduce road casualties through better driving professionally without a valid Driver CPC.
qualified drivers. It should also bring an improved
The time taken to add a vehicle is reduced
professional and positive image to the industries, For further information on Driver CPC please
from 14 days to a matter of minutes when encouraging younger people to consider driving
done online. visit www.transportoffice.gov.uk/cpc or
buses, coaches or lorries as a career. email drivercpc@dsa.gsi.gov.uk
Pay licence invoices and renew licences by credit All category C and D licence holders (including C1 A Guide to Periodic Training is available to
card. Go to www.transportoffice.gov.uk/ol and and D1) will be required to complete 35 hours of download from the site and a Driver CPC
click on HGV/PSV Operator self-service option. periodic training every 5 years in order to maintain presentation and leaflet can be requested via
their Driver CPC. New bus and lorry drivers will the email address.
need to undertake a new qualification process in
four five
Transportoffice.gov.uk
Increase in
Theory Test
Questions for
LGV and PCV
Candidates
Learner bus and lorry drivers have recently Guidance from VOSA
seen a change to the number of multiple
choice questions when they come to sit a
theory test. On April 2nd these increased
on new EC Drivers’
from 35 to 60, the cost of the test was
revised from £21.50 to £32.00.
Hours Rules
Vicki Butler Henderson of Channel Five’s Fifth
Gear supported the launch of the scheme at
Enfield’s LGV and PCV test centre on 19th
February. Vicki was joined by representatives The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency The new Regulation also aims to clarify and
from the Confederation of Passenger Transport, (VOSA) is providing guidelines to operators simplify the existing definitions, driving limits
Arriva London, Road Haulage Association, Freight and drivers on the latest amendments to the and requirements regarding breaks and rest.
As an additional feature, the new rules enable
“Increasing the number Transport Association, and Skills for Logistics as
well as DSA.
EC Drivers’ Hours Rules governing driving
and rest periods for drivers of lorries, buses software developers to write tachograph analysis
programmes more easily. Coupled with the
of questions will Having tried some of the theory test herself Vicki
and coaches. The new rules came into effect
on 11 April 2007. introduction of digital tachographs, it enables
said that “Increasing the number of questions will employers to more readily analyse records of
help further develop help further develop standards of professional The Regulation (EC 561/2006) is aimed at driving and working time.
driving and hopefully maximise the potential for maintaining road safety, improving working
standards of professional road safety”. conditions for vehicle crew and ensuring that
The new updated guide in a new style will be
available from November 2007. Don’t forget to visit
The longer theory test is the first step towards transport operations are working to the same rules
driving and hopefully the introduction of the Driver CPC which will take throughout the road transport sector in Europe.
our website and download your free copy from
www.transportoffice.gov.uk/generalinfo/publications
maximise the potential effect from 10th September 2008 for bus and
coach drivers (PCV) and from 10th September
The new Regulation applies to vehicles with a
“Maximum Authorised Mass” exceeding 3.5 tonnes
Alternatively, VOSA’s enquiry unit on 0870 60
60 440 and VOSA experts on stand A110 at the
for road safety” 2009 for lorry drivers (LGV). or the ability to carry 10 passengers including the
driver. All European Union Member States are
Coach and Bus Live will provide an opportunity to
answer customer enquiries.
applying the Regulation to vehicles travelling
Vicki Butler Henderson either internationally or solely on journeys within
For further information on the increase in theory
their borders.
questions you should log onto www.dsa.gov.uk
or www.transportoffice.gov.uk
six seven
Transportoffice.gov.uk
eight nine
Transportoffice.gov.uk
In parallel DfT is running a survey to establish survey please send an email to
which form of certification vehicle manufacturers ecwvtaconsult@dft.gsi.gov.uk or call
The Vehicle Approval Process are likely to be interested in. The survey is your
opportunity to help the agencies responsible for
certification to have the appropriate infrastructure
01179 524126.
This is a significant development and you need to
is changing – be ready
understand how it will affect you. Remember, once
in place to meet your needs, once the legislation the legislation is in force, you will not be able to sell
starts to bites. your products without the correct approval.
To receive ongoing information about ECWVTA
or to express your interest in participating in the
Department/Agency Website Address Advice
Department for Transport www.dft.gov.uk Consultation & Directive
VCA www.vca.gov.uk Small Series & Type Approval
VOSA www.vosa.gov.uk Single Vehicle
DVLA www.dvla.gov.uk Registration
DVTA www.dvtni.gov.uk Single Vehicle
Moving on
– are you
Over coming months and years, legislation A level playing field for companies wishing to sell
receiving
yours?
n
will be introduced to extend the scope of
European wide approval to new categories
to Europe, reducing potential barriers to trade.
Currently legislation is still with the European
Internet booking
of vehicle such as buses, coaches, mini-
buses, trailers and trucks. If you are involved
Parliament for its Second reading. The earliest
possible date for publication of the Directive and
a smash hit VOSA produce a
quarterly newsletter
in either the manufacture or sale of such its entry into force is October 2007. Member which is distributed
vehicles, you need to understand how this states will then be given 18 months to reflect the Learner drivers have given our internet free of charge to 120,000
will affect you. requirements in their own national legislation. driving test booking system the green lorry and bus operators. The newsletter
UK Government realises that full European light by using it to book over one million provides helpful and friendly advice on a
The European system (ECWVTA) is based on
approval will not benefit everyone, particularly practical driving tests. wide range of subjects to help you work
the concept of ‘type approval’, which assesses
the environmental and safety performance of a those small/medium sized businesses with low DSA Operations Director Brian Gilhooley said: within the law.
production sample without having to test every production volumes that only sell to the UK market. “The majority of our customers are young people The editorial team not only bring you
single one. At its heart is third-party assessment In view of this, Government has agreed in principle who use internet facilities at school, college or information from VOSA, but work closely with
of compliance with the performance standards that national schemes will be in place for those for work, and they are not afraid to go online other government agencies, such as DVLA
outlined in a number of separate EC Directives manufacturing vehicles in low volumes, or as ‘one- to get what they want. They may well have and the Highways Agency to highlight areas of
and/or ECE Regulations. If the sample meets offs’. The exact detail is currently being formulated booked their theory test online too, because we their work that may affect you. There is also an
the appropriate requirements and the production but stakeholders will have a chance to comment introduced that service some time ago”. opportunity to have your say.
arrangements also pass inspection, then vehicles on the proposals, once finalised.
The practical test booking system enables Recent newsletters have covered legislation on
or components of the same type are approved DfT, VOSA, VCA and DVTA, are tasked with ensuring customers to book their driving test at the fitment of seat belts in lorries, the working
for production and sale within Europe, without that the legislation and operational infrastructure the test centre of their choice, giving their time directive and the power to stop initiative.
further testing. required to deliver the services successfully are preferred date and pay for the test online.
in place. They will be involved in an ongoing Have you seen a copy? Why not speak to
European wide type approval schemes already Recent improvements, introduced in Summer
communications campaign to ensure that the your manager and get them to put theirs in
exist for cars, bikes and agricultural trailers and the 2005, means candidates can also change
information required by industry is readily available. the staff canteen. Remember, if it affects you
benefits of such a scheme include: dates, cancel their test and obtain a refund if
Information will be regularly posted to the websites in your job, then we’ll tell you about it first.
n Consistency of environmental and safety necessary.
outlined below and individual organisations can be Moving On is available online at
standards. For more information and to book a test go to:
contacted individually for specialist advice. Trade www.transportoffice.gov.uk/generalinfo/
Independent validation and performance www.direct.gov.uk/motoring
n bodies should also be actively involved in providing publications Don’t miss it!
against legislative requirements. the information you need.
ten eleven
Transportoffice.gov.uk
Drivers Re-engineering
Project (DRP)
DVLA’s Drivers Re-engineering Project (DRP)
will radically transform the Agency’s Drivers
makes it easier for them to comply and keep their
own record up to date.
New VOSA suite of guides
business. Establishing a Strategic Architecture: The DRP
customer data store will be the key building block
A new and revised edition of two of the updated guidance to reflect the changes in the
One of its main objectives is to introduce an most popular guides is now published. The EU drivers’ hours rules. VOSA and DfT have also
electronic channel allowing applicants for a driving for the Driver and Vehicle Operator’s (DVO) Single
new Safe Operator’s Guide and the Guide strived to make the new version more user friendly
licence to complete their application online without View of the Customer, providing customers with an
to Maintaining Roadworthiness form part of in look and feel to other new VOSA publications
the need to send additional documentation by post. integrated motoring service, while also providing
a suite of VOSA publications dedicated to such as The Safe Operator’s Guide.The completely
Since April 2006 customers have been able to apply flexibility and reduced costs for future development.
giving useful information to operators, drivers new guide on the rules is currently in the final
online for a Provisional licence and further online From 7 June 2007 customers will be able to stages of being written and will be available free of
applications are now available from 7 June 2007. and other staff involved in the use of Goods
complete the following Driver transactions online charge in November 2007.
whenever they wish (24/7):
and Passenger Carrying Vehicles.
DRP is the key enabler for the Drivers Strategic In addition to hard copy, the new updated version
Agenda in achieving its objectives of: n First Application (Provisional) Coming soon of the guide called ‘Rules on Drivers’ Hours and
Improved Service to Customers and Partners: n Replacement (where licence lost, stolen or
The new updated version of the drivers’ hours Tachographs – Passenger-carrying Vehicles in the
DRP will provide a web channel to individuals defaced) booklet and Drivers Hours DVD will be available UK and Europe’ will be also be available on
on a 24/7 basis, with greater transparency to the n Exchange (paper for photocard) from November 2007. VOSA and DfT have been www.vosa.gov.uk and www.transportoffice.gov.uk
customer on their record, and faster turnaround n Renewal at age 70 and over working with the Trade Associations to produce
times and service delivery due to the reduction
n Change of address
of paper processing. DRP will also provide a web
enquiry service so that Government partners n Enquiry transactions
and commercial customers can check driver Access to the online application service will be
entitlements, on a 24/7 basis, in a consistent way. via the DVO “Motoring Franchise” screens on the
The Directgov website
Direct Gov website, www.direct.gov.uk/motoring VOSA strengthens brand
New customers will register with Government
Operational Transformation and Value for Money: Gateway as part of the transaction and will be given VOSA is strengthening its brand by the
Customer self-service for key transactions will a unique User ID that they can use, with a password, addition of the MOT three triangles to the
result in significant efficiency savings that will be for future access. They will also be able to enrol for
further consolidated by improved system availability
current brand. The new brand has had a
other government services using the same ID.
and re-engineering of back office processes. phased introduction from 3 September 2007. a wider audience to recognise VOSA and will help
Work has started on support for a replacement reinforce the role it plays in improving road safety.
Improved Compliance and Security: DRP will The MOT three triangles is a well recognised
bulk paper processing solution that will improve
provide Enforcement Partners with 24/7 access to brand, which is used across all MOT test stations In order to reinforce VOSA’s message there will
services to customers continuing to use paper
the latest driver record, reducing the reliance on and increasingly used by other organisations also be a strapline used on written material
applications. The old and new Drivers systems will
the physical licence. Convergence of vehicles and to symbolise reassuring checks on standards. “Saving lives, safer roads, cutting crime,
run in parallel while the changes take effect and
drivers records will improve data accuracy and Capitalising on the use of the three triangles will help protecting the environment”.
this will be completed in 2008.
targeted enforcement. 24/7 access for customers
twelve thirteen
Transportoffice.gov.uk
VOSA pilots
Electronic Bus Service
Registration (EBSR)
VOSA have begun piloting EBSR – the online
system which allows operators to submit bus
service registration applications online, rather
than via the current paper based approach.
EBSR moved from prototype to live on 1 July 2007
and VOSA is testing it in conjunction with Arriva &
Stagecoach to ensure that it is running smoothly
prior to other operators beginning to use it.
EBSR, a joint venture between VOSA & Transport
Direct, will enable the flow of electronic bus
service data from operators to VOSA, then to local
authorities and to other systems, such as Traveline.
This will simplify and speed up the registration
process, resulting in fewer opportunities for errors
and more accurate information for the public.
Arriva says:
“The EBSR project will mean the supply of
schedules information directly from the scheduling
system and so will remove any possibility of errors.
All the information will be provided in the standard
Online vehicle tax and licensing
TransXChange format including an improved
quality of mapping compared with the manual
system it replaces. The format will also play a
crucial role in the future of data exchange between
stakeholders in the public transport sector and we We are making major changes to The new system saves time. Customers simply
are very pleased that our trial project in Scotland improving customer service and quote the reference number from their Vehicle
has commenced with Arriva’s first successful Licence Application/SORN declaration form or the
sharing of data.
registration delivered by the secure internet line.” document reference number from their V5C vehicle
From 7 June online access will enable: registration certificate and their vehicle registration
Stagecoach Group says:
n customers to apply for driving licences, number to start the process.
“The need for the integration of systems is long change their address, track changes of The insurance is then checked electronically. So is
overdue and Stagecoach Group fully support the applications and enquire of their own the MOT or Goods Vehicle Test (GVT) certificate if
introduction of EBSR as a means of improving driver record; one is needed.
the way our business communicates timetable, n our partners in law enforcement to make
schedule, and geographic data to both internal and The tax disc is sent to the registered keeper by first
enquiries of driver records. class post to be received within 5 working days of
external stakeholders.
More accurate records and improved access for the transaction.
TransXChange will become the one-stop-shop file law enforcement will have a direct impact on road
format for all data receivers enabling us to own our safety.
data, minimise the risk of errors and speed up the Customers can visit the website at:
flow and accuracy of data into public information DVLA is also making it much easier for customers www.direct.gov.uk/taxdisc or call the
systems. to buy their road tax by rolling out a new Electronic dedicated phone number, 0870 850 4444.
Vehicle Licensing and Statutory Off Road
We look forward to the vision of EBSR being fully Notification (SORN) service. This allows customers
implemented across the public transport industry.” to tax their vehicles or make a SORN declaration
Further updates will be issued as the pilot on the Internet or by phone.
progresses.
fourteen fifteen
Transportoffice.gov.uk
VOSA issue first
Low Emissions Certificates
VOSA’s guidelines
Kevin Crawford, Director of
Mullany’s Coaches was one of the
low emissions
first operators to receive a Low
Emissions Certificate (LEC). The tests
test took place at VOSA’s Goods
Vehicle Test Station in Yeading
on 3 September. The certificate
was presented to Mr Crawford by
Alastair Peoples, VOSA’s Testing Before applying for a first Low Emissions or Where the operator would like the inspection
n
and Inspections Director. Reduced Pollution Test, vehicle operators carried out.
have to ensure that their vehicles are n When the operator would like the test to be
Kevin Crawford said:
referenced on the Low Emissions Certificate undertaken.
“Although my vehicles will only (LEC) Eligible Engine or the LEC and RPC n What is the eligible engine type, or what
be affected by the London Low (Reduced Pollution Certificate) Approved
Alastair Peoples VOSA’s Testing and Inspections Director (left) necessary modifications have been undertaken.
Emission Zone (LLEZ) in July 2008, presenting one of the first LEC certificates to Kevin Crawford, devices list.
I am very keen to act early and ensure that they When presenting a vehicle for inspection it is
Director of Mullany’s coaches.
are fully compliant with the LLEZ Scheme next VOSA will inspect and issue either an LEC or RPC for: important that it is accompanied by a person
year. As soon as VOSA announced that they were who is competent and equipped to tilt the cab or
a. Vehicles with unmodified Euro 1 or 2 engines
remove engine access panels safely and is able to
taking bookings for low emissions tests, I booked
in immediately and I am delighted to be one of the
The Low Emissions that may meet the Low Emission Zone (LEZ)
emissions standards and are referenced on the
re-instate according to manufacturers instructions.
first operators whose vehicles have been issued
with a Low Emissions Certificate.”
Certificate (LEC) has been Transport for London (TfL) LEC eligible engines list. At time of inspection the vehicle examiner will want
to see the following items:
The list is published on the TfL website:
VOSA started to carry out low-emission developed by VOSA, TfL and www.tfl.gov.uk/lezlondon/roadusers/lez/ engine
n
inspections after taking bookings from 20 August. vehicles/options/5374.aspx
Low Emissions Certificates are now issued out by
the Department for Transport b. Vehicles that have had particulate abatement
fuel system
n
n exhaust system
all VOSA Test Stations and Designated Premises specifically for the London equipment fitted or a modification made such
that the vehicle then meets the LEZ emissions
n chassis number
nationwide. Low emissions tests can be booked
via the nearest local VOSA Test Station or the Low Emission Zone standards. The LEC and RPC Approved devices n engine type designation
VOSA Enquiry Unit at 0870 60 60 440. Further list can be found on the TfL website: n type number on the pollution control device if
details on the Low Emissions Certificates and how www.tfl.gov.uk/roadusers/lez/vehicles/ fitted.
The LLEZ scheme is being implemented in different options/2551.aspx
to book a tests with VOSA are available at Low Emissions Certificates (LEC) are now issued
phases. From July 2008, buses, coaches and lorries
www.transportoffice.gov.uk At the time of booking, VOSA will ask for the out by all VOSA Test Stations and Designated
greater than 3.5 tonnes will need to comply. Heavy
The Low Emissions Certificate (LEC) has been following details: Premises nationwide. Pre-funded account holders
Goods Vehicles (HGVs) over 12 tonnes will be
developed by VOSA, TfL and the Department for Registration mark of the vehicle if vehicle is and operators who pay by credit/debit cards are
required to meet the Euro III standard for Particulate n
Transport specifically for the London Low Emission registered and number of axles. asked to book a LEC or RPC test by calling the
Matter from February 2008.
Zone. The fee for a low emissions test is £28, VOSA National Helpline on 0870 60 60 440 or
The status of a vehicle can be checked by n The type of test that the operator wishes VOSA contact their local Heavy Goods Vehicle Testing
though it can also be carried out at the same time to undertake (Low Emissions Certificate or
contacting the TfL call centre on 0845 607 0009 Station. Customers paying with cash will need to
as an annual vehicle test at the reduced price of Reduced Pollution Certificate).
or by viewing the vehicle compliance checker at visit a VOSA Test Station to book their test.
£17. Additional arrangements can be made with
www.tfl.gov.uk/lezlondon
local test stations to carry out inspections outside
of VOSA’s core working hours or at appropriate
designated premises where a supplement will be
charged for these services.
sixteen seventeen
Transportoffice.gov.uk
Theft resistant plates
Fighting
The theft of vehicles has dropped
by 58% from its 1995 peak to
214,000 incidents in 2004/2005
Vehicle Crime
(according to the Home Office
British Crime Survey). The register of numberplate suppliers all trading standards officials to enforce the
was introduced on January 1 2003. At the regulations throughout the United Kingdom. The
This is despite there being 27% more outset of the scheme the Driver and Vehicle new legislation will allow our enforcement officers
vehicles on the road. We are pleased Licensing Agency (DVLA) had to rely on the to enter premises, seize records and prosecute
to have contributed to this success numberplate suppliers who do not comply with
police and trading standards officers to
with a series of initiatives aimed at regulations. The extension of the (RNPS) scheme
prosecute numberplate suppliers who did
making it more difficult to disguise to Scotland and Northern Ireland is expected from
heed the regulations governing the sale of
the identity of stolen vehicles. The late 2007 or early 2008.
official registration of numberplate
numberplates to the public.
In addition, the Act makes the sale of plates that
suppliers is among these initiatives. However, the government brought forward
do not comply with display regulations a strict
Introduced in January 2003, this is legislation in the Road Safety Act 2006 to provide
liability offence i.e. it will not be possible to rely on
aimed at closing off legitimate ways the power for persons appointed by the secretary
the sale of show plates as a defence.
and means for obtaining false plates. of state to enforce the regulations.
During the coming year DVLA will use the new
But there is evidence that the theft of The commencement order enabling the DVLA
powers to further strengthen the fight against
numberplates from vehicles is a growing problem. or Sold Secure. The new standard has the support to use their new powers came into force on the
vehicle crime, including joint operations with the
Police data suggests that there were around of the Home Office and the Association of Chief 16th March 2007. The new Act provides the
police and trading standards throughout the UK.
40,000 recorded numberplate thefts in 2005. Stolen Police Officers (ACPO) and several manufacturers scheme to be extended to Scotland and Northern
numberplates can be used to disguise the identity are now developing products geared to meeting Ireland as well as enabling DVLA, DVLNI and
of stolen vehicles or vehicles used in criminal the requirements.
activity. Most commonly, they are used to evade Forward looking numberplate manufacturers
fines or charges or to avoid paying for petrol. wishing to construct and market theft resistand
The vehicle registration mark (numberplate) is plates can submit their product to Thatcham
the primary vehicle identifier we use to access a
vehicle keeper’s name and address. So displaying
or Sold Secure. There it will be evaluated
and subjected to a rigorous ‘attack’ test. The
Changes to the not required to carry out
physical measurements
the wrong number can sometime result in innocent
victims receiving penalty notices for traffic offences
manufacturer will then be able to market the
product as meeting the approved standard. At Requirements for but will complete a visual
inspection.
committed by someone else. present there are 2 manufacturers that have
passed the test. However, only one manufacturer
is marketing the product at dealerships. There
Registration Plate VOSA has produced a
leaflet ‘Registration Plates
Police data suggests that there and the MOT Test’ which
were around 40,000 recorded
is a website showing 300 outlets supplying theft
resistant plates. Checks at MOT Test outlines the changes being
made and can be viewed here (insert link).
Theft resistant numberplates need wide support
numberplate thefts in 2005 from producers, Suppliers and bulk buyers of
Vehicles with incorrectly displayed VOSA MOT Standards Manager John Stephenson
said: “We would urge anyone going for an MOT to
number plates as well as the general public. They registration plates already fail the MOT
ensure that their registration plates comply with
Our response to this problem of numberplate theft could be an important contribution to the fight test and from Monday 1st October the
legislation. The best way to do this is to consult our
has been to adopt a new standard for theft resistant against vehicle related crime. requirements will be tightened to further align
new leaflet which has been produced specifically
numberplates. This means that the numberplate with the regulations. This action is being
Theft resistant numberplates will be promoted at to assist MOT customers. This action has been
must resist an ‘attack’ test for a period of three taken to aid eye witness accounts, traffic taken to help us to save lives, make roads safer,
those exhibitions attended by DVLA. The stands
minutes. If removed in less than three minutes, enforcement cameras, Automatic Number cut crime and protect the environment.”
will display prototypes of the plates and leaflets
the plate must then be in such a condition that it have been produced to hand out. Video footage of
Plate Recognition systems and road user
cannot be re-fitted and so useless to a thief. charging technology. These changes apply to vehicles in all MOT test
the attack test will also be displayed. classes, except for foreign registered, diplomatic
The standard has been developed in collaboration Information about theft resistant numberplates is Registration plates must be present, secure, and military vehicles.
with the Home Office and two companies that also available on direct.gov website. show the correct registration, colour and be the
specialise in testing security products, Thatcham DVLA have two leaflets that will also help V796
correct size, format and font. MOT testers are
and INF46.
eighteen nineteen
Transportoffice.gov.uk
Bus Compliance
The Government has an objective to increase Traffic Commissioners, whereby 95% of services
the number of passengers using public should depart from the timing points within
transport, including buses. One reason which the bracket of up to 1 minute early and up to 5
discourages people from using buses is minutes late.
unreliability of services. The operator will be invited to comment on
VOSA employs a small Bus Compliance team the findings, and the final report, including the
whose aim is to contribute to the improvement operator’s comments, is then forwarded to the
of accessibility, punctuality and reliability of Traffic Commissioner, who will decide on the
local public transport and to contribute to the action to be taken.
government objective of increasing bus use. This The Bus Compliance team are not there solely to
is done by carrying out checks on the running of carry out monitoring exercises. They also help and
registered local bus services and by talking to the advise operators, particularly operators who may
operators of such services. be new to providing bus services.
An investigation into a local bus service is
normally triggered by complaints received, which
are assessed and rated by the Bus Compliance For further information on bus compliance,
Manager. A complaint does not necessarily mean and how VOSA can help, please contact:
that a monitoring exercise will be carried out.
Hugh Findlay, Bus Compliance Manager
In some cases it is more appropriate or more
for Scotland, and North East and North
expedient for the Bus Compliance Manager to
West England
contact the operator, to discuss the problem.
Hugh.Findlay@vosa.gsi.gov.uk
In other cases though a monitoring exercise will be
Richard Hollis, Bus Compliance Manager
carried out.
for the rest of England and Wales
Following an exercise, the observed timings are Richard.Hollis@vosa.gsi.gov.uk
compared with the registered times and the data
analysed in accordance with the target set by
Key: DSA: Driving Standards Agency
DfT: Department for Transport VCA: Vehicle Certification Agency
DVLA: Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency VOSA: Vehicle and Operator Services Agency
twenty
