Taxi Driver Online

More than half of limos fail checks at crackdown

11 Oct, 2010

Officials from the Vehicle Operator and Services Agency (VOSA) has revealed the shocking results of a recent illegal limousine crackdown in the capital.

VOSA along with the Metropolitan Police descended on Wembley in a two day operation to search for limousines which are unlicensed, carrying too many passengers and are unroadworthy.

In total, 11 out of the 17 limousines inspected by VOSA throughout the operation were found to be faulty or were flouting driver hour laws.

On Saturday 2nd October, four limos were inspected and two Delayed Roadworthiness Prohibitions were issued to the drivers, and a driver hours rest prohibition was issued with a fixed penalty notice of £120.00. Only one limousine passed all the checks throughout the evening.

The following day was just as shocking as a total of 13 vehicles were pulled over and inspected at the venue. There were seven Delayed Roadworthiness Prohibitions issued, one Drivers Hours 24hrs rest Prohibition Issued with a Fixed penalty notice of £200.00, and six vehicles cleared all the tests.

Head of Enforcement at VOSA, Neil Barlow told thechauffeur.com; “We know there is concern within the industry about non-compliant operators. That’s why VOSA and the police has stepped-up these kind of checks across the country.”

He added; “Unroadworthy limousines and drivers who do not take the proper rest jeopardise the safety of their passengers as well as other road users. I would remind people that VOSA has the power to impound illegally operated limousines and have them crushed.”

A prohibition is issued to stop further use of the vehicle until the fault has been rectified and full compliance with roadworthiness and weight standards are achieved. A roadworthiness prohibition relates to a mechanical defect.

A ‘delayed prohibition’ for roadworthines gives the driver/owner either 3,5,7 or 10 days to repair the mechanical defect – then have it retested by VOSA to have the prohibition removed. As opposed to an ‘immediate’ prohibition where the operator must rectify it before being allowed to continue.

Graham Mitchell from Bournemouth based DCS Limos commented; “When I entered Wembley, I was stopped by VOSA officials where they took the names and contact details of all my passengers. They told them they would be contacted if there was a problem with my limousine, which I thought was a bit strange and not really great PR for me.”

He added; “My limousine passed all the checks and is fully legal. I am always in support of any VOSA crackdowns which may take illegal operators off the road. We spend a lot of money keeping our vehicles maintained so I hope these operations will play a part in closing down dodgy companies.”

An array of further VOSA crackdowns are expected around the country in the run up to Christmas.

Source; http://www.thechauffeur.com/2010/10/mor ... crackdown/

_________________
Kind regards,

Brummie Cabbie.

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That means that 9 vehicles had minor defects and 2 drivers had worked to many hours.

_________________
Grandad,

Maybe they are going to check to see if you have abided by proper operating procedures, and, if PSV, separate fares.

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IDFIMH

VOSA may ask the passengers for their details, BUT are the passengers OBLIGED BY LAW to give their details to the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency?

Me has a feeling that VOSA may have overstepped the mark on this one & my gut feeling if I was one of the passengers would be to decline their request.

After all, although they have powers to stop vehicles, they are not police constables or officers.

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Brummie Cabbie.

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But they do have investigatory powers.

_________________
IDFIMH

For vehicle related matters, but where in the Police Reform Act 2002 does it give them the power to question vehicle passengers or ask for their details?

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Brummie Cabbie.

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Well anyone can ask anyone questions. They can choose to answer them or not.

But if I was the VOSA man I would say the Limo ain't going nowhere unless I can be certain that everything is above board.

So in short the punters have got two choices, talk or walk.

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IDFIMH

And in this case I would walk & would not talk as the Limo had already arrived at the destination.

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Brummie Cabbie.

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They might have wanted to go home afterwards..........

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http://wingsoverscotland.com/ http://www.newsnetscotland.com/

That to me sugests that if there was a problem with a limousine that required the vehicle to be taken off the road then VOSA would be able to inform the passengers that their limo would not be able to take them home.

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Grandad,