A Changing Approach to Sanctioning Karen Farr VOSA Sanctions Manager

Why Change..? Unequal treatment of UK and non UK drivers. No effective sanction against non UK drivers Inconsistency in fine levels Court time taken up with low level offences

New Legislation Road Safety Act 2006 provides VOSA with powers to issue Fixed Penalty Notices and to take financial penalty deposits. Introduces new graduated penalty levels relating to severity of overloading and drivers’ hours offences. Provides for the use of immobilisation powers against prohibited vehicles. Legislation applies to both VOSA and Police. Regulations come into force 1st April 2009!

Offences and Penalties Penalties up to £900 Offences include drivers' hours, overloading, and vehicle condition Multiple offences will result in multiple penalties. Offences relating to vehicle condition (steering, brakes, tyres) will result in licence endorsement by Driver, Vehicle Licensing Agency

Deposit Requirement Required where no satisfactory UK address is provided. Deposit will equal the amount of the fixed penalty issued or a higher amount against a court imposed fine. Immediate payment required. No Pay – No Drive! Driver has right to be heard by a court.

Immobilisation Applies to any prohibited vehicle Ensures compliance with prohibition notice. All cases of non payment of deposit requirement will result in immobilisation.

Key Messages Equal treatment regardless of nationality Drivers of international vehicles will no longer be able to driver with impunity. Importance of driver daily walk around check. Be compliant and have no problem!