1. A Changing Approach to Sanctioning
Karen Farr
VOSA Sanctions Manager

2. 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

3. 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!

4. 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

5. 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.

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

7. 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!