Earlier this summer Gordon Macdonald, head of enforcement policy at VOSA, spoke at the Van Excellence Conference held by the Freight Transport Association and said that VOSA makes no secret of its intention to increase its enforcement activity.
The VOSA programme to address LGV operators’ low compliance and raise the standards of the LGV industry includes ‘tactical’ checks at ‘appropriate locations’. That is being combined with cooperation with trade bodies and associations to convey the message that VOSA is ‘determined to raise the standards of the LGV fleet through joint working, education, assistance, and if required, enforcement action’.
Although vehicle driver and operator education is the key thrust of VOSA’s action, a range of enforcement actions – including vehicle prohibition notices, fines and even jail – could also be used.
Peter Lambert, fleet director, Kwik Fit, said: ‘Vehicle compliance is a critical aspect of every fleet operator’s job and VOSA has made it clear that it will not tolerate poor LCV standards.
‘We can service and maintain all LCVs in accordance with standards laid down by vehicle manufacturers and employ technicians that have the technical ability to deal with any issues on site. We offer competitive pricing, typically 25-30% cheaper than a franchise dealer and MoTs are available well below the statutory price.’
Additionally, all MoT testing stations are VOSA-approved, the company operates a national pricing policy, service and MoT booking is typically available within 48 hours while Kwik Fit’s long hours culture, including Saturday and Sunday opening, helps to ensure minimum vehicle downtime for busy fleets.
Lambert concluded: ‘We are recording a significant increase in the volume of mechanical work being carried out on vans at our centres. We anticipate that will continue to increase due to our long-established reputation for high-quality service delivery built on the repair and replacement of tyres, batteries and exhausts and now extending to vehicle-related mechanical work.’
