Graduated fixed penalties: VOSA to implement from 28 May 2009

FTA met with the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) last week to discuss the introduction of graduated fixed penalties and deposits. The following points were confirmed.

• Legislation will come into force on 1 April with a 'go live' date of 28 May
• From 28 May VOSA officers will begin to issue fixed penalties for offences committed by drivers at the time of roadside enforcement checks
• Fixed penalties will be graduated for drivers' hours and overloading offences, according to the seriousness of the breach
• Drivers unable to provide a satisfactory UK address will be asked to pay a deposit equal to the likely penalty on the spot. This may include drivers from the European Union employed by UK companies who have not yet registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to obtain a counterpart driving licence. FTA advises that these drivers should be encouraged to register with DVLA as soon as possible - click here http://www.fta.co.uk/information/driver-vehicle-licensing/index.jsp
• VOSA will immobilise prohibited vehicles in certain circumstances, together with vehicles where drivers have been unable to pay a required deposit
• Operator licence holders will be required to notify the Traffic Commissioner of fixed penalties issued to their drivers and OCRS scores will also be also affected
• VOSA will maintain a driver offence record of fixed penalties and court action taken by VOSA. The agency will use this information to consider further action, such as a warning letter, further investigation or referral to a Traffic Commissioner who may consider taking action against the driver's vocational entitlement

FTA will be producing a full compliance guide and our April round of free briefings will cover the above issues in full. To book your place, click here.