Thames Valley is the latest Police force to accredit officers from VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) with the power to stop lorries, buses and coaches for spot-checks.

In the past, police have always been present during spot-checks, as only they had the authority to stop vehicles. This new power to stop commercial and private motorists will increase VOSA’s effectiveness in targeting vehicles which are likely to break roadworthiness and traffic legislation.

Hugh Edwards, Product Strategy & Policy Director for VOSA, says: “Receiving accreditation from Thames Valley Police is a further endorsement of VOSA’s role in targeting unsafe vehicles and drivers for enforcement action.”

VOSA officers will wear a special uniform which has been agreed with the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and clearly defines them as VOSA staff operating under Community Safety Accreditation. The uniform includes a high-visibility yellow jacket with the VOSA name and logo, and epaulettes with the words ‘Vehicle & Operator Services Agency’. As well as displaying the approved Community Safety Officers accreditation badge, the officers will carry an official VOSA warrant.

The Police Reform Act 2002 allows Chief Constables to accredit VOSA staff with the power to stop goods and passenger vehicles. The Power to Stop scheme has already been launched in 38 Police force areas around the country, and, subject to Chief Officers’ agreement, the few remaining Police forces in England & Wales are expected to accredit VOSA in the coming months.