Sharing Information
- What information can the public pass to the Government?
- Contacting an agency
- What happens to the information I pass to an agency?
What information can the public pass to the Government?
Commercial vehicles operating illegally
The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) works with the public to collate information on lorry and bus operators, to ensure we target those who are non-compliant rather than burdening those who work within road safety and environmental guidelines. VOSA’s intelligence officers will follow up reports on operators disabling tachographs or speedlimiters, running on red diesel, operating against licence requirements and also running vehicles which are affecting environmental standards. Drivers and operators can also report those who aren’t adhering to drivers hours regulations (see Reporting drivers hours breaches for details on the process). The public can help to reduce vehicle emissions by reporting lorries and buses which are extremely smoky. VOSA will contact the vehicle operator and investigate the report.
You can contact the Intelligence Officer in your area - VOSA Intelligence Areas or email: enquiries@vosa.gov.uk - alternatively ring the VOSA Enquiry Unit via our National Number (0870 60 60 440), which offers operatives trained to receive intelligence related calls. Please state in the email title what type of information is included and complete and attach a reporting form if required (Smoky Vehicle Report Form
(PDF) or Smoky Vehicle Report Form (Word).
If you want to report a smoky or suspect HGV/PSV vehicle you will need to give some basic information:
• The vehicle registration number (displayed on the number plate)
• The type of vehicle (be as specific as possible)
• The date, time and place where you saw the vehicle, and if possible,
• The name of the vehicles operator (the company or owner)
When you write to VOSA your letter will be acknowledged, when you phone VOSA we can't provide an acknowledgment. You will not normally be informed of any action taken, but if you see the vehicle regularly you will be able to see if the problem has been fixed. You can report persistent offenders again, which means that further action will be taken. If no action has been taken then it may simply be that the operator or smoke emissions do not actually break the rules.
If you have queries regarding a company requesting for an Operating Licence, please read Raising an Objection against an Operator for further information.
MOT Test and Garage Queries
VOSA monitor the MOT Scheme on behalf of the public, to ensure standards are maintained throughout the UK. The public can report garages who they feel are not offering tests at appropriate standards, or who may be offering certificates which are not authentic (see Checking Certificate Authenticity
for further information). If you feel your vehicle has wrongly passed or failed, you are advised to follow the procedure outlined in Appealing against an MOT Test decision, or ring VOSA's national number (0870 60 60 440) to seek advice on how to proceed.
Vehicle Test Queries
VOSA aims to meet the VOSA Standards of Service at our own garages. If you have any queries regarding the service we offer at our test stations, please review the VOSA Complaints Procedure and the VOSA guide to Appealing against a Vehicle Test decision
Report an unlicensed vehicle online
If you see a vehicle on a public road that appears to be unlicensed you can report it online to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. Click on the heading to find out more and report an unlicensed vehicle online.
Maintaining driver instructor standards
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA), with VOSA, completes ADI check tests on all instructors to ensure standards are maintained. To find our more click on the link above or contact the DSA directly.
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Contacting an agency
There are many methods of passing information to the driver, vehicle and operator agencies, as illustrated above.
All those services available online are listed in Sharing information via the web. The Contact Us section also includes links to all UK transport agencies, so you can email or telephone specific call centres with your query. If you are unsure who to talk to, email webmaster@transportoffice.gov.uk, and we’ll forward your enquiry to the correct agency contact.
All offices and branches are also listed in Government Offices in the Find your nearest… section should you wish to call or write to someone in your area.
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What happens to the information I pass to an agency?
Each agency records and manages your intelligence to help tailor specialised operations and Campaigns. These include Site Visits and Roadside Checks. To find details on the process within each agency follow the links in the Contact Us section.
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News
13-09-08 Traffic signs in Britain - biggest review in 40 years launched today
Transport Minister Rosie Winterton today called on motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, highway authorities and road organisations to take part in the biggest review of British road signs for 40 years.
17-09-08 17-09-08 Two-year VOSA investigation leads to convictions
Six men working for Jobe Transport Ltd, Norwich were found guilty of a total of 84 driving offences at Ipswich Crown Court on Friday 12 September 2008. [This information is held on an external site]
18-09-08 Success in high court for VOSA
On August 5 2008, an MOT case dating back to 2000 was decided in favour of the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) at the High Court of Justice.[This information is held on an external site]