6/09/09

VOSA: New measures ot tackle Illegal bus and limousine operators

Release to: Press Release
Date: October 2009
Title: New measures to tackle Illegal Bus and Limousine operators

Tough new powers to seize vehicles will be given to the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) in a bid to crack down on illegal bus and limousine operators.

The new powers will allow VOSA to seize vehicles with more than eight passenger seats - including buses, coaches, minibuses and large limousines - without a valid Operator's Licence. They bring the rules governing public service vehicles into line with those applying to lorries.

Road Safety Minister Paul Clark said:

"Illegal bus, coach and limousine operators put the safety of their passengers and other road users at risk as well as creating unfair competition for law abiding businesses. Giving VOSA these new powers shows that we are determined to force these cowboy operators off the road.

"I am also pleased that key players representing passengers, enforcement agencies and the passenger transport industry have shown support for our proposals."

Acting CEO for VOSA Alastair Peoples said:

“The law is clear that those commercial operators with vehicles with over eight passenger seats need to have a PSV Operator's Licence. We are already able to issue fines to operators who have not gone through the licensing process but the power to seize vehicles will act as a much more powerful deterrent.

"We are confident that these new powers will allow us to crack down more effectively on dishonest operators who pose a threat to road safety as well as fair competition in the industry.”

The Local Transport Act, which gained Royal Assent in October 2008, introduced the primary powers paving the way for the proposed new regime. Regulations will be laid before Parliament shortly, allowing the new legislation to come into force on October 1, 2009.

Operators who do not have an Operator’s licence, or are unsure as to whether they need one, should go to VOSA’s website, www.vosa.gov.uk for guidance.