Graduated Fixed Penalties: results of first quarter of operation

Figures collated by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) show that 11,000 fixed penalty notices were issued following the introduction of Graduated Fixed Penalties on 28 May this year.

In addition over 800 vehicles were immobilised under new powers given to VOSA alongside the introduction of fixed penalties.

More than £500,000 has been collected in deposit payments since VOSA started issuing fixed penalties with over 60 per cent of penalty notices being issued to the drivers of non-UK vehicles. Prior to the introduction of the new scheme, drivers of non UK based vehicles were usually dealt with by prohibition only.

Fines range from £30 to £200 per offence, including overloading, drivers' hours and mechanical defects.

VOSA will be updating members at Transport Manager 2009 on the Agency's plans for Graduated Fixed Penalties and its Operator Compliance Risk Score targeting activities. The presentation will also review plans for a step change in commercial vehicle testing undertaken on private premises