VOSA accredited by Sussex Police to keep roads safe. - 21-08-2008

The Vehicle & Operator Services Agency (VOSA) has been re-accredited with police powers to stop vehicles on the roads of Sussex in order to carry out safety checks.

Sussex Police has accredited VOSA under the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme, with the power to stop vehicles (without requiring a police presence) for a further two years, to enable them to continue with their vital road safety work.

The Police Reform Act 2002 created the opportunity for police forces to grant certain police powers when discharging functions aimed at community safety and which tackle crime, disorder, public nuisance and anti-social behaviour. Both Sussex Police and VOSA have always worked closely together and this re-accreditation confirms the closeness and effectiveness of the relationship.

VOSA can check to see the vehicle is roadworthy and that the driver has, for example, the correct operator's license (in the case of an HGV) and has adhered to the Drivers' Hours Regulations. VOSA can then ensure any defects are rectified or even prevent the vehicle from continuing on its journey if the defects represent an immediate safety risk.

Supt Steve Barry, head of Road Policing Unit, presented the accreditation certificate to Patrick Ward (Senior Traffic Examiner from VOSA) and two of his colleagues Mark Hudson and Lionel Swan; watched by scheme manager Simone Sorrell.

VOSA has recently been given additional government funding and is now recruiting more staff and expanding its activity to become a 24 hour service.

Pictured left to right:
Simone Sorrell, Patrick Ward, Lionel Swan, Mark Hudson and Supt Steve Barry.

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