Latest News

DFT rolls out impounding plan

Taken from Route One Issue 262 18th December 08

As predicted the Department for Transport has launched a consultation this week on impounding illegally operated Public Service Vehicles (PSVs).

Announcing the crackdown on dangerous bus, coach and limousine operators, in proposals that will give new power to VOSA to take illegal vehicles off the road from 01st Oct 09, Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said: " illegal bus, coach and limousine operators put the safety of their passengers and other road users at risk and we are determined to force them off the roads."

"These proposals will give VOSA new powers to immediately impound vehicles they discover being operated illegally. A similar scheme for targeting illegal HGV operators resulted in a significant fall in the number of illegally operated trucks on our roads."

"These new powers will help to level the playing field for law-abiding operators who suffer from this unfair competition."

The proposals affect vehicles with more than eight passenger seats - including buses, coaches, minibuses and large limousines.

The Local Transport Act, which gained Royal Assent last month, introduced the primary powers that pave the way for the proposed new regime.

The consultation sets out details of how the regulations would work and asks for views by 31 March 2009. Details from www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/open/impoundinghgvs/