VOSA Effectiveness Report 2009/10 by Mike Cannon

VOSA Effectiveness Report 2009/10 Contents Summary The Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) Fleet The Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Fleet The MOT Scheme and Light Vehicles Small Schemes and Cross Scheme Miscellaneous

Tables Annex 1 - The Heavy Goods Motor Vehicle Fleet Table A1.1 HGV motor vehicle volumes and test fail rates Table A1.2 HGV motor vehicle fleet by number of axles Table A1.3 HGV motor vehicle initial test fail rate by age Table A1.4 Age distribution of HGV vehicles licensed at end of year Table A1.5 HGV operator distribution by fleet size band Table A1.6 HGV motor vehicle initial test fail rate by fleet size Table A1.7 Top ten reasons for HGV motor vehicle fails Table A1.8 HGV trailer volumes and test fail rates Table A1.9 HGV trailer fleet by number of axles Table A1.10 HGV trailer initial test fail rate by age Table A1.11 Top ten reasons for HGV trailer fails Table A1.12 Regional variation in initial test fail rates Table A1.13 Fail rates at HGVTS and DPs Table A1.14 Regional forward booking times Table A1.15 Voluntary tests Table A1.16 Baseline survey results GB HGV Fleet Compliance Check May 2008 Table A1.17 Baseline survey results Non-GB HGV Fleet Compliance Check July 2008 Table A1.18 HGV operators - licences in issue at 31 March 2010 Table A1.19 HGV operators - number of specified vehicles on licences at 31 March 2010 Table A1.20 HGV maintenance assessments by initiating reason Table A1.21 HGV (motor vehicle and trailer) fleet checks and prohibitions by initiating reason Table A1.22 HGV maintenance assessments and outcomes Table A1.23 HGV fleet roadworthiness checks by Enforcement Group Area Table A1.24 Roadworthiness checks of UK and non-UK motor vehicles and trailers Table A1.25 Roadworthiness spot checks of UK vehicles by Enforcement Group Area Table A1.26 Roadworthiness spot checks of non-UK vehicles by Enforcement Group Area Table A1.27 Top ten non-UK checks by country of origin Table A1.28 Top ten non-UK weight checks by country of origin Table A1.29 Results of roadside checks by Enforcement Group Area where operator based Table A1.30 Results of roadworthiness spot checks by licence type Table A1.31 Top ten prohibition defects as a percentage of all vehicles inspected at spot and fleet checks - HGV motor vehicles Table A1.32 Top ten prohibition defects as a percentage of all vehicles inspected at spot and fleet checks - HGV trailers Table A1.33 Roadside inspections, weighings, drivers' hours and overloading prohibitions for UK and non-UK vehicles Table A1.34 Examinations, weighings and offences prohibited for UK HGVs Table A1.35a Examinations, weighings and offences prohibited for non-UK HGVs Table A1.35b Top ten non-UK drivers hours checks by country of origin Table A1.35c Top ten non-UK weight checks by country of origin Table A1.36 HGV Hazchem inspections and prohibitions Table A1.37 HGV examinations, weighings and offences prohibited by licence type Table A1.38 HGV traffic offences prosecuted by Enforcement Group Area Table A1.39 Top ten offences Table A1.40 Impounding

Annex 2 - The Public Service Vehicle Fleet Table A2.1 PSV volumes and test fail rates Table A2.2 PSV initial test fail rate by age Table A2.3 Age distribution of buses and coaches licensed at end of year Table A2.4 PSV initial test fail rate by fleet size Table A2.5 PSV operator distribution by fleet size band Table A2.6 Top ten reasons for PSV fails Table A2.7 Regional variation in PSV test fail rates Table A2.8 Fail rates at GVTSs and DPs - PSV Table A2.9 PSV baseline survey results Fleet Compliance Check 2009 Table A2.10 Bus and coach operators - licences in issue at 31 March 2010 Table A2.11 Bus and coach operators - discs in issue at 31 March 2010 Table A2.12 PSV maintenance assessments by initiating reason Table A2.13 PSV fleet checks and prohibitions by initiating reason Table A2.14 PSV maintenance assessments and outcomes Table A2.15 PSV fleet roadworthiness checks by Enforcement Group Area Table A2.16 Roadworthiness checks of UK and non-UK PSVs Table A2.17 Roadworthiness spot checks of UK PSVs by Enforcement Group Area Table A2.18 Roadworthiness spot checks of non-UK PSVs by Enforcement Group Area Table A2.19 Top ten checks of non-UK PSVs by country of origin Table A2.20 PSV spot checks by Enforcement Group Area where operator based Table A2.21 PSV roadworthiness spot checks by licence type Table A2.22 Top ten prohibition defects as a percentage of total number of PSVs inspected at spot and fleet checks Table A2.23 Roadside inspections, weighings, drivers' hours and overloading prohibitions for UK and non-UK PSVs Table A2.24 Examinations, weighings and offences prohibited for UK PSVs Table A2.25a Examinations, weighings and offences prohibited for non-UK PSVs Table A2.25b Top ten non-UK checks by country of origin Table A2.25c Top ten non-UK weight checks by country of origin Table A2.26 Examinations, weighings and offences prohibited by licence type Table A2.27 PSV offences prosecuted Table A2.28 Top ten offences

Annex 3 - The MOT Scheme and Light Vehicles Table A3.1 Annual MOT test results Table A3.2 Initial failures by defect category as a percentage of vehicles tested at MOT stations Table A3.3 Action against Authorised Examiners (AEs) and Nominated Testers (NTs) (from all supervisory activities) Table A3.4 Test error rate (MOT Compliance Survey) Table A3.5 Light vehicle compliance survey 2007/08 Table A3.6 Results of light vehicle roadside roadworthiness checks Table A3.7 Top ten prohibition defects as a percentage of total number of vehicles inspected at spot checks Table A3.8 Examinations, weighings and offences prohibited for LGVs Table A3.9 LGV offences prosecuted Table A3.10 Top ten LGV traffic offences for prosecution

Annex 4 - Small Schemes and Cross Scheme Miscellaneous Table A4.1 Notifiable Alterations Table A4.2a Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) Table A4.2b Enhanced Single Vehicle Approval (ESVA) Table A4.2c Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA) Table A4.3 Vehicle Identity Check (VIC) Table A4.4 Tachograph centre supervision Table A4.5 Speed limiter setting and sealing scheme Table A4.6 VOSA driver licence enforcement strategy Table A4.7 Transport of hazardous goods Table A4.8 Defect causes recorded on safety reports Table A4.9 Safety defect investigations Table A4.10 Safety recalls launched Table A4.11 Safety recall response rates for closed recalls Table A4.12 Collision investigations Table A4.13 COIF Scheme Table A4.14 ADR Scheme Table A4.15 ATP Scheme Table A4.16 TIR Scheme Table A4.17 Reduced pollution certificates Table A4.18 Annual test sites Table A4.19 Test staff Table A4.20 Vehicles tested by VOSA Table A4.21 Proportion of annual tests carried out at non-VOSA sites Table A4.22 Enforcement checks, prohibitions and prosecutions Table A4.23 Types of prohibition issued at the roadside Table A2.34 Graduated Fixed Penalty and Deposit (GFPD) Notices issued by Traffic Area by notice type Table A2.35 Value of Graduated Fixed Penalty and Deposit (GFPD) Notices issued by notice type

Abbreviations and Glossary

Summary The current economic climate has affected VOSAs testing volumes, from which most of our income is derived. HGV motor vehicle volumes are down 3.1% from 2008/09 PSV volumes are down 0.8% from 2008/09 SVA, ESVA and MSVA volumes have decreased by 80.4%, 68.7% and 27.4% respectively since 2008/09 Conversely the numbers of MOT tests and VIC examinations have bucked the trend as motorists are possibly holding on to vehicles for longer and returning moderately damaged vehicles to the road after repair. The effect on VOSA s finances is being managed by the Agency by controlling and limiting our costs and reducing discretionary expenditure.

The Heavy Goods Motor Vehicle Fleet Overall, there has been a reduction in both testing and licensing volumes for HGVs, reflecting the economic downturn. Annual Testing Motor Vehicles The number of annual tests fell 40.0% by 4.2% between 2007/08 and 2009/10, from 462,820 to 35.0% 443,493. Initial test fail rates also decreased over the same 30.0% period, from 36.5% to 27.4%.

Trends in HGV motor vehicle test fail rates 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10

25.0%

Final fail rates decreased from 20.0% 20.2% to 15.5% and the 15.0% proportion of motor vehicles that passed after rectification 10.0% decreased from 16.3% to 11.9%. For the fleet still in 5.0% service this represents an improvement in roadworthiness 0.0% Initial Final compliance. Pass after % fail rates rectification refers to those motor vehicles for which all failure items were able to be rectified at the station.

PRS

Final fail rates for motor vehicles remain higher at GVTSs (16.3%) than at non-VOSA sites (12.1%). The composition of the fleet continues to move slightly towards vehicles with multiple axles. 2 axle motor vehicles now account for 63.4% of the fleet (compared with 65.8% in 2007/08) and 3 and 4 axle motor vehicles for 36.6% (34.3% in 2007/08). Fewer new vehicles are coming in to the fleet and older vehicles are staying longer. In 2007/08 vehicles under 3 years old accounted for 29.2% of the overall fleet; in 2009/10 this has decreased to 25.6%. The proportion of vehicles over 10 years old increased from 22.3% to 23.2% over the same period. Fleet sizes have remained broadly the same, with 50% of operators owning only one vehicle (50.5% in 2007/08) and 0.4% of operators with a fleet of more than 101 vehicles (the same proportion as in 2007/08). Whilst initial test fail rates for motor vehicles tend to increase with vehicle age, test fail rates were lower across all ages in 2009/10. For older vehicles, on average 42.5% of vehicles of 10 years or more fail the initial test, whilst at the other extreme, 8.2% of less than 1 year fail. Test fail rates also vary according to operator fleet size, with the higher fail rates falling to operators with smaller fleets. In 2009/10 average initial fail rates ranged from 35.1% for operators with just one vehicle to 12.9% for operators with 101 or more vehicles.

Headlamp aim remains the most common test fail item, although this has decreased significantly since 2007/08. In 2007/08 we conducted research into the causes of high instances of headlamp aim failure and the variability in testing. This resulted in changes to make the headlamp aim standards easier to understand and the results more consistent. Whereas headlamp aim was listed as a reason for failure in 20.7% of vehicles tested in 2007/08, in 2009/10 this had decreased to 12.8% of vehicles. Annual Testing - Trailers There was a decrease in the number of annual trailer tests from 2008/09, down from 240,094 to 230,966 (a decrease of 3.8%). Initial test fail rates decreased from 20.9% to 18.8%, and this decrease was reflected across all ages. As with motor vehicles, fail rates tend to be higher at GVTSs. In 2008/09 the final fail rate for trailers was 16% at GVTS compared to 11.1% at Designated Premises/ATFs. Trends in HGV trailer test fail rates 25.0% 2007/08 2008/09

20.0%

2009/10

15.0%

10.0%

5.0%

0.0% Initial

Final

PRS

% rates

Service Brake performance remains the most common test fail item 9.5% of trailers initially failing this item in 2009/10 (decreasing from 10.4% in 2008/09). There is a trend towards multiple axled trailers. 1 and 2 axle trailers now account for 18.4% of the fleet (compared with 21.1% in 2007/08); and 3 and 4 axle for 81.6% (79% in 2007/08).

Operator Licensing The number of operator licences in issue at the end of 2009/10 was: 4.4% (about 4,200 licences) fewer than at the end of 2008/09; and 7.2% (about 7,100 licences) fewer than in 2007/08. The number of vehicles on licence was: 3.7% (approx 13,400 vehicles) fewer than at the end of 2008/09; and 8.3% (approx 31,800 vehicles) fewer than at the end of 2007/08. Roadworthiness Enforcement The number of HGV (motor vehicle and trailer) roadworthiness checks increased significantly in 2009/10 to 173,944, driven by our Secretary of State target to increase the number of dangerous vehicles and drivers taken off the road compared with the 2007/08 baseline. There were 83,032 checks in 2007/08 and 125,856 in 2008/09. There was a corresponding increase in the number of vehicles prohibited from 34,000 in 2007/08 to 45,596 in 2008/09 and 59,696 in 2009/10. However, the overall prohibition rate has decreased to 34.3%, from 40.9% in 2007/08 and 36.2% in 2008/09. Significant research has been undertaken to try to ascertain why this is the case and although it is very difficult to establish direct correlations the following may be relevant: Fall in forward view of road prohibitions: Obstruction to the view from the windscreen attracts category 1 prohibitions and now a fixed penalty. Fixed penalties were introduced at the end of May 2009. For the final 6 months of 2008 we placed 2,943 such prohibitions. In the same period for 2009 the total was 1,265. Deterrence: We have picked up some anecdotal evidence, particularly amongst drivers working along a major A road, that fixed penalties have had the required deterrent effect. Many

drivers are paid a fixed fee for a journey. They do not now wish to risk losing a substantial part of that payment through a fixed penalty. Top ten roadworthiness checks of motor vehicles by country of origin 12,000

50.0% Number of checks Prohibitions Prohibition rate

10,000

45.0% 40.0%

30.0% 6,000

25.0% 20.0%

4,000

Prohibition Rate

35.0%

8,000 Volume

15.0% 10.0%

2,000

5.0%

H un ga ry Li th ua ni a

Ita ly

G er m an y

et he rla nd s

R ep ub lic

R om an ia C

ze ch

Sp ai n

0.0%

Po la nd

Vehicles and trailers from Poland and Eire were the non-UK nationalities most frequently checked, however the highest prohibition rates were found for Romanian motor vehicles (43.5%) and Spanish trailers (52.4%), although the Romanian prohibition rate was based on a relatively small number of checks. Prohibition rates for Italian trailers were also high, at 51.8%. At fleet and spot checks combined, brake systems and components remains the most common defect for both motor vehicles and trailers.

Traffic Enforcement For drivers' hours/ tachograph records: The number of checks of drivers' hours has increased by 81.8% since 2007/08, from 76,931 to 139,861, again driven by our Secretary of State target to increase the number of dangerous vehicles and drivers taken off the road. Checks of UK vehicles are up by 33.6% (about 15,600 checks), and checks of non-UK vehicles up by 154.7% (about 47,300). Prohibition rates have decreased, however, Prohibitions (drivers' hours) from 19.1% in 2007/08 to 14,000 Prohibition rate 15.7% in 2009/10. This 20.0% 12,000 may be due to changes in operating practices for 10,000 15.0% failure to produce 8,000 records, which led to a 10.0% spike in the number of 6,000 these particular 4,000 prohibitions in 2007/08. 5.0% Numbers subsequently 2,000 reduced because the 0 0.0% percentage of vehicles with digital tachographs fitted is steadily increasing, and drivers of vehicles with analogue tachographs are becoming familiar with the regulation. VOSA also introduced new operational guidance in January 2009, which gave drivers longer to produce records and removed the requirement for a prohibition if drivers are able to demonstrate that they have taken weekly rest. Topten tennon-UK foreigndrivers drivers' hours checks by country Top hours checks by country of originof origin

16,000

25.0%

H un ga ry Li th ua C ni ze a ch R ep ub lic

R om an ia

Ita ly

Sp ai n

G er m an y N et he rla nd s

Po la nd

Ei re

Volumes

Prohibition Rate

Number of checks

Vehicles from Eire and Poland were the most frequently checked non-UK vehicles, with Eire and Germany accounting for the highest prohibition rates (23.1% and 21.8% respectively).

The number of vehicles checked for overloading decreased from 2008/09 by 25.8% (about 7,500 weighings), with: checks of UK vehicles down by 23.7% (about 3,400 weighings); and checks of non-UK vehicles down by 27.7% (about 4,200 weighings). The prohibition rate increased significantly compared to 2008/09. For UK vehicles the prohibition rate increased from 30.7% to 37.5% and for non-UK vehicles the rate increased from 29.4% to 37.1%. Vehicles from Eire and Poland were again the most frequently checked, whereas Spain had the highest prohibition rate at 50.6% (551 out of 1,089 vehicles checked prohibited for overloading).

The Public Service Vehicle Fleet Annual Testing The number of PSV annual tests decreased by 0.8% (about 650 tests) in 2009/10 compared with 2008/09. Initial test Trends in PSV test fail rates fail rates decreased 30.0% 2007/08 from 23.9% to 20.7% 2008/09 over the same period. 2009/10 25.0% There was a slightly smaller decrease in the 20.0% final test fail rate - from 12.8% to 11.1% - with 15.0% the percentage that passed after 10.0% rectification at station (PRS) decreasing from 11.1% to 9.6%. Final 5.0% test fail rates also tend to be significantly higher 0.0% Initial Final PRS at GVTS (15.6%) than % fail rates at Designated Premises/ATFs (4.6%). There are fewer new vehicles coming in to the fleet. The proportion of the overall fleet made up of vehicles less than three years old has decreased from 20.3% in 2007/08 to 18.5% in 2009/10. Older vehicles also appear to be staying in the fleet longer, with vehicles over 10 years old accounting for 35.8% of the overall fleet in 2009/10, compared to 33.5% in 2007/08. Initial test fail rates tend to increase with the age of the vehicle. 28% of vehicles of 12 years or more fail the initial test, compared to 3.6% of vehicles of less than 1 year. There has, however, been a decrease in initial test fail rates across almost all vehicle ages. Vehicles from smaller fleets are also more likely to fail their initial test than those from larger fleets; the initial test fail rate for vehicles belonging to a fleet of one was 41.8%, for vehicles belonging to a fleet of more than 101 the figure was 5.9%. Fleets of up to and including five vehicles account for 73.2% of the overall PSV fleet. Initial fail rates have decreased overall since 2008/09 for vehicles from all sizes of fleet. As with HGVs, headlamp aim remains by far the most common cause of test failure, despite the percentage of vehicles where headlamp aim was listed as an item for failure decreasing from 13.1% in 2007/08 to 8.3% in 2009/10. See page 5 the Heavy Goods Vehicle Fleet Summary for an explanation of why this is the case. Operator Licensing The number of bus and coach operator licences in issue at the end of 2009/10 decreased slightly from 2008/09 - down 0.5% (44 licences). There was, however, an increase in the number of actual discs in issue, suggesting that there are slightly fewer operators but an increase in the average fleet size. The number of discs in issue increased from 90,333 in 2008/09 to 91,042 in 2009/10.

Roadworthiness Enforcement Fleet checks: The number of fleet checks decreased by 23.4% (655 checks) from 2008/09 to 2009/10. The prohibition rate increased from 13.2% to 14.8% over the same period. Spot checks: The number of spot checks decreased by 25.9% (about 4,300 checks), with

Topten tenroadworthiness roadworthiness checks of non-UK PSVs by country of origin Top checks of Non-GB PSVs by country of origin 80

Number of checks

120.0%

Prohibitions

Prohibition rate

100.0%

60 80.0%

checks of UK vehicles down by 26.2% (about 4,200 checks), and

Volumes

50 60.0%

40 30

40.0%

checks of non-UK vehicles down by 11.1%. This was from a low base and amounted to a decrease of 44 checks.

20 20.0% 10

S pa in

R ep ub lic

S lo va ki a

C ze ch

E ire N et he rla nd s

R om an ia

G er m an y

Fr an ce

0.0% B el gi um

P ol an d

Vehicles from Poland and Germany accounted for over a third of the top ten non-UK checks, with prohibition rates of 61.2% and 18.8% respectively. The prohibition rate for Romanian vehicles was 100% but this was from a small number of 10 vehicles checked. The top 3 defects found were Seatbelts (5.1% of total PSVs checked), Driver and Passenger Doors (4.4%) and Brake Systems and Components (4%). For drivers' hours/ tachograph records: The number of PSVs Drivers' hours and overloading prohibitions for UK and foreign PSVs Drivers hours and overloading prohibitions for UK and non-UK PSVs checked for drivers' hours 35.0% decreased by 9.9% (966 Drivers' hours prohibition rate Overloading prohibition rate checks) from 2008/09 to 30.0% 2009/10, with checks of UK vehicles down by 9.9% (about 916 checks), and

25.0%

checks of non-UK vehicles down by 9.7% (50 checks).

15.0%

Prohibition rates decreased from 15.2% to 11.3% for UK vehicles and from 17.7% to 17.6% for non-UK vehicles.

20.0%

10.0%

5.0%

0.0% UK

Non-UK Foreign 2009/10

Foreign Non-UK 2008/09

Non-UK Foreign 2007/08

The highest proportion of checks were on German vehicles (88 checks of the 413 on the top ten non-UK operators checked). Spain had the highest prohibition rate at 38.5%, although this was from a total of only 13 vehicles checked. For overloading: The number of PSVs checked for overloading fell by 37.8% (76 weighings) from 2008/09 to 2009/10, with checks of UK vehicles down by 41.3% (69 weighings), and checks of non-UK vehicles down by 20.6% (7 checks) - only 27 non-UK PSVs were weighed.

Prohibition rates increased for UK vehicles from 9% to 28.6% - whereas the prohibition rate for non-UK vehicles decreased from 32.4% to 25.9%. Vehicles which are found to be overloaded may be issued with a notice of prohibition depending on the extent of the overload and the circumstances of the case. However, it may receive an exemption notice, which specifies conditions under which the vehicle may be used, without creating a risk to public safety, in order to travel to a place where it can be repaired or where more suitable facilities for passengers are available.

The MOT Scheme and Light Vehicles In 2009/10 the number of MOT tests increased to 27,609,056, in comparison to 27,070,607 in 2008/09. In 2009/10 initial fail rates for motorcycles (Classes 47.9% 2007/08 1 and 2) increased 2008/09 2009/10 from 20.8% in 39.9% 40.6% 38.5% 2008/09 to 21.3%, 34.9% 34.7% continuing an upward 32.4% trend from 2007/08 initial fail rates for 20.8% 21.3% 19.7% cars, vans and passenger vehicles with up to 12 seats (Classes 3 and 4) increased from 39.9% in 2008/09 to 40.6%, again continuing an Classes 1 & 2: Motorcycles Classes 3 & 4: Cars , vans Class 5: Private passenger Class 7: Goods vehicles and passenger vehicles with vehicles with more than 12 between 3,000 and 3,500 upward trend from up to 12 seats seats kg gross vehicle weight 2007/08 initial fail rates for private passenger vehicles with more than 12 seats (Class 5) decreased marginally from 34.9% to 34.7%, and Initial test fail rates of vehicles tested at MOT stations

50% 45% 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0%

49.3%

50.0%

initial fail rates for goods vehicles between 3,000 kg and 3,500 kg gross vehicle weight (Class 7) increased from 49.3% to 50%, again continuing an upward trend. Initial test fail rates over all classes of vehicle increased from 39.4% to 40.1%. Lighting and signalling was the most common fail item for all classes. On average 2.11 defects were found for each motorcycle initial test failure, 3.18 defects for cars and light vans, 3.44 for private passenger vehicles and 4.58 for goods vehicles between 3,000 and 3,500 kg. Disciplinary Action Against Authorised Examiners & Nominated Testers The number of Authorised Examiners cessated by VOSA (after appeals) decreased from 111 in 2008/09 to 90. The number of Nominated Testers disqualified from testing (also after appeal) decreased from 132 in 2008/09 to 128. We made over 8,700 site assessments and 8,400 visits to MOT garages, including carrying out re-examinations and mystery shopper visits. Contact centre staff also carried out over 7,000 desk based assessments. We worked closely with MOT garages and only invoked disciplinary action when there was no other option.

Trends in test error rates (MOT Compliance Survey) 18.0% 2007/08

16.0%

2008/09

14.0%

2009/10

12.0% 10.0% 8.0% 6.0% 4.0% 2.0%

Emissions test not done / wrong type

Corrosion assessment errors

Number plate errors

Exhaust condition errors

Seat belt component errors

Brake efficiency / performance errors

Tyre tread depth / condition errors

View to front errors

Mechanical brake component errors

Steering / suspension component errors

0.0% Headlamp aim assessment errors

MOT Compliance Survey The annual MOT Compliance Survey involves the re-testing of vehicles, by a Vehicle Examiner, that have recently undergone an MOT test. The survey is conducted at a random sample of VTS locations throughout Britain to ascertain whether the vehicle was given the right test result.

During the 2009/10 reporting year 17.7% of vehicles re-inspected were found to have the wrong test result, an increase from 15.4% in 2008/09. Statistical analysts advise that this difference may be the result of normal variation. Headlamp aim accounted for 8.9% of errors. Light Vehicle and Other Enforcement Roadworthiness Enforcement The number of light vehicle roadside roadworthiness checks increased by 8.1% (approx 3,200 checks) in 2009/10 compared with 2008/09. The prohibition rate decreased slightly, but remained high at 57.5% (58.2% in 2008/09). Vehicles that are not currently covered by statutory testing (including mobile cranes, diggers and non-HGV trailers) had a prohibition rate of 72.5%. The Department for Transport Trends in prohibition rates at roadside roadworthiness checks consulted recently on 75.0% possible changes to exempt categories and are 70.0% Cars & motorcycles analysing the results. Taxis and private hire cars Non-testable vehicles

Prohibition Rate

65.0%

LGVs

60.0%

55.0%

50.0%

45.0%

40.0% 2009/10

2008/09

2007/08

Bodywork (windscreen and windows) was the top defect found for cars, with defects found in 37.4% of vehicles. Condition of tyres was the top defect found for both taxis / private hire vehicles and LGVs, accounting for defects in 28% and 25.7% of vehicles respectively.

Traffic Enforcement The number of Light Goods Vehicles (LGVs) checked for drivers hours decreased by 3.3% from 2008/09 (approximately 400 checks), however the prohibition rate increased from 6.3% to 15.9%, with 1,872 prohibitions for drivers hours, tachograph and records. The number weighed also decreased from 2008/09 by 10.3%, with, however, the prohibition rate again increasing from 66.9% to 72.7%. A total of 5,703 LGVs were prohibited for overloading. There was an increase of 6.6% in the number of LGVs reported for prosecution from 2008/09; the overall increase from 2007/08 was 73.1%. The overall conviction rate was 96.2%, compared to 91.9% in both 2008/09 and 2007/08. Overloading was by far the most frequent traffic offence reported for prosecution, resulting in 1,005 convictions (97.8% of all overloading offences reported).

Small Schemes and Cross Scheme Miscellaneous VOSA undertakes a number of other activities. These include: individual pre-registration inspections of large and small passenger vehicles, Light Goods Vehicles (LGVs) and motorcycles IVA/SVA/ ESVA/ MSVA; identity checks of written-off passenger cars before a replacement registration document can be issued - VIC; work with manufacturers, importers and component makers to identify and investigate vehicle safety defects; and monitoring of safety-related recalls. Vehicle Approvals Continuing the trend from 2007/08, volumes of vehicle approvals reduced significantly on 2008/09 levels, with:

Enhanced SVA volumes falling by 68.7% (just under 3,000 approvals), and

9,000

2007/08 2008/09 2009/10

8,000 7,000 6,000 Volumes

Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) volumes falling by 80.4% (over 3,500 approvals);

Trends in SVA Volumes 10,000

Motorcycle SVA volumes falling by 27.4% (approximately 1,300 approvals).

5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 -

SVA ESVA The decrease may largely be due to the fact that the SVA scheme is being replaced by the more robust European Whole Vehicle Approval Scheme.

MSVA

Vehicle Identity Check (VIC) The number of VIC checks continues to increase year on year, with an increase of 5.1% from 2008/09 in 2009/10. Driver Licence Enforcement Activity Trends in VOSA driver licence enforcement activity 70,000 HGV PSV LGV

60,000

Licences requested

50,000

40,000

30,000

20,000

10,000

0 2009/10

2008/09

2007/08

The number of licences requested from HGV drivers increased by 16.3% from 2008/09 (over 8,500 checks). For both PSV and LGV drivers the number of licences requested decreased by 9.9% (approximately 900 requests) for PSVs and 15.6% (approximately 1,900 requests) for LGVs. The number reported for prosecution decreased by 18% for HGV drivers and by 33% for PSV drivers.

There was an increase of 32.1% in the number of LGV drivers reported. 89.6% of all drivers reported were successfully prosecuted.

Safety Defects 34% of all defects found were design-manufactured (as in 2008/09) and 9.0% were due to lack of maintenance (an increase from 8.0% in 2008/09). As a result of safety defect investigations, 28 safety recalls, 11 manufacturer production changes and 17 technical service bulletins were issued. Overall, 241 safety recall campaigns were launched in 2009/10, of which 115 (47.7%) related to cars and light good vehicles. The total number of vehicles involved in all recall campaigns was 1,171,952 (an increase of 8.4% on the number in 2008/09). Collision investigations VOSA investigated a total of 1,357 collisions in 2009/10 compared to 1,219 in 2008/09. This upwards trend was the case for both HGVs and PSVs, whereas there was a decrease in the number of car and motorcycle collisions investigated from 183 to 113. This continues the downward trend for cars and motorcycles from 533 in 2007/08. Vehicles tested by VOSA VOSA tested a total of 761,022 vehicles in 2009/10, compared to 785,381 in 2008/09. HGV motor vehicles constituted the highest percentage of vehicles tested by VOSA, at 58.3%. HGV trailers made up 30.4%, PSVs 10.9% and MOT vehicles 0.5%.

Trends in failure rates of vehicles tested by VOSA 40.0% HGV motor vehicles

35.0%

HGV trailers PSVs MOT Class 4 goods vehicles

30.0% MOT Class 5 large (non-PSV) passenger vehicles MOT Class 7 goods vehicles

25.0%

The small number of MOT 20.0% Class 7 goods vehicles tested by VOSA 327 in 2009/10 - had the highest fail 15.0% rate at 32.4%, although MOT 2009/10 2008/09 2007/08 Class 4 goods vehicles came a close second at 32.3%. HGV trailers had the lowest test fail rate at 18.8%. Roadside checks, prohibitions and prosecutions VOSA carried out 229,194 roadworthiness checks in 2009/10 16.2% (nearly 32,000 checks) more than in 2008/09. The number of traffic enforcement checks also increased, by 32% (almost 39,000 checks). As in 2008/09, HGVs made up the largest number of vehicles checked. Roadworthiness prohibition rates increased for both HGVs and PSVs with a slight decrease for LGVs (from 58.2% to 56.9%). Graduated Fixed Penalties and Deposits A total of 31,659 Graduated Fixed Penalty and Deposits (GFPD) Notices were issued in 2009/10, with the total value of notices issued ÂŁ3,583,310.

Abbreviations and Glossary ADR International arrangement for carriage of dangerous goods Advisory letter Where a Traffic Examiner finds a minor infringement of the legislation that is more serious than instances where a verbal warning might be given, an advisory letter is given to the driver and the operator advising them of the infringement and the need for action to be taken AE Authorised Examiner - individual, person in partnership or company meeting the requirements (premises, equipment, personnel and good repute) to carry out MOT testing ATP International arrangement for the carriage of perishable goods C&U Construction and Use (regulations relating to the mechanical condition of a vehicle) COIF Certificate of Initial Fitness DP Designated Premises and PSV tests

privately owned test bays where VOSA staff undertake annual HGV

ESVA Enhanced Single Vehicle Approval scheme Fail rates The initial fail rate is the number of vehicles that, as presented, would fail the annual test (i.e. those that fail or that pass only after rectifications) as a percentage of all vehicles tested (excluding retests). The final fail rate is the number of vehicles that fail even though minor rectifications may have been made, as a percentage of all vehicles tested (excluding retests). The retest fail rate is the number of vehicles that previously failed and are presented for retest but still fail, as a percentage of all vehicles retested Fleet checks VOSA undertakes fleet and spot checks to enforce roadworthiness and environmental (mainly emissions) standards. Fleet checks focus on a particular operator s vehicles and are normally associated with maintenance assessments. The checks are conducted at operators premises or, when facilities there are inadequate, at VOSA test stations. Fleet checks are normally reserved for operators whose vehicle maintenance is already in question, or where insufficient information is held on VOSA s database to be confident that an operators maintenance arrangements are adequate. GVTS Goods Vehicle Testing Station HGV Heavy Goods Vehicle weight

goods-carrying vehicle over 3,500kg design gross

HGV motor vehicle Powered vehicle designed to carry goods or to draw a goods trailer HGV trailer Non-powered vehicle designed to be drawn by another vehicle; in the case of a semitrailer, designed to form part of an articulated vehicle. In the case of a drawbar, the drawing vehicle does not support the weight of the trailer LGV Light Goods Vehicle

goods-carrying vehicle not exceeding 3,500 kg design gross weight

Maintenance assessments VOSA examiners assess and advise on the adequacy of operators maintenance arrangements as part of the support provided to Traffic Commissioners under the operator ( O ) licensing regime. MOT Scheme Scheme overseeing the testing of MOT class vehicles. VOSA appoints authorised examiners and nominated testers and supervises their activities within the scheme, taking disciplinary action where necessary and providing support through training courses, manuals, etc MSVA Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval NT Nominated Tester tests

a qualified mechanic who has been nominated by an AE to carry out MOT

O licence Operator licence issued by Traffic Commissioners which permits the commercial operation of HGVs or PSVs ORN Offence Rectification Notice a notice given to drivers and operators noting apparent offences and giving a reasonable period to correct the infringement before any prosecution action is commenced

PSV Public Service Vehicle passengers

a vehicle licensed to carry (normally 9 or more) fare-paying

Roadworthiness defects Items failing to meet the requirements set out in the Construction and Use Regulations 1986 and Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1986 Safety Recalls Under the Code of Practice on Action Concerning Vehicle Safety Defects, which is agreed between the DfT, VOSA and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, vehicle manufacturers or importers are required to notify VOSA whenever a manufacturing or design defect threatens the safety of a significant number of vehicles and a recall is required. VOSA monitors the conduct of recalls to ensure that they are completed in a timely and effective manner, and address all the affected vehicles. SVA Single Vehicle Approval a VOSA scheme for the inspection of the design and construction features of vehicles not previously submitted for type approval to ensure compliance with road safety and environmental protection standards Tachograph Under EC Regulations, most HGVs and about half of all PSVs with 18 or more seats (including the driver s) are required to be fitted with tachographs. TAO Traffic Area Office TE Traffic Examiners are VOSA employees responsible for the frontline enforcement of safety and licensing provisions on goods and passenger vehicles. They conduct roadside examinations and weighings of HGVs and PSVs to enforce traffic laws, and to help deter offenders by prosecuting serious offences through the courts. TIR Transports Internationaux Routiers for customs purposes

international arrangement for carriage of goods sealed

Traffic offences Failure to meet legislative requirements relating to dimensions and limiters, driver licensing, vehicle excise duty, tachograph, drivers hours, operator licence (illegal operator or technical offences relating to an O licence), plating and testing, etc VE Vehicle Examiner. Vehicle examiners conduct roadside examinations of vehicles to enforce the Construction and Use Regulations 1986 and Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1986, which detail minimum standards for the roadworthiness of a vehicle, and to help deter offenders by prohibiting from use vehicles with serious defects. Vehicle Inspection Notice Issued by Vehicle Examiners when they find advisory items or minor defects that are not serious enough to warrant prohibition. This notice is only advisory, and does not in itself prevent further use of the vehicle. Notices stating that no defects have been found may be issued at certain checks Verbal Warning Where a Traffic Examiner finds a minor offence, a verbal warning may be issued VIC Vehicle Identity Check