The Vehicle Operator and Services Agency has revealed the worrying results of its recent crackdown operation whereby they inspected limos attending Wembley Stadium in London.
VOSA found that more than half of the limousines they stopped and inspected earlier this month were in breach of driving regulations, or had sustained some kind of mechanical fault.
On the first night of the one-the-spot checks, just 1 out of the 4 limos which were stopped passed the inspection. The following day the results weren’t any better with 6 out of 13 limousines getting the green light from VOSA inspectors.
Common issues found by VOSA included mechanical problems which resulted in several limos being issued with a Delayed Roadworthiness Prohibition. This allows the driver or keeper of the limo a set amount of time to fix the fault.
A failure to adhere to guidelines on driver’s hours was another common problem which resulted in many of the limos failing their inspections. A number of Drivers Hours 24hrs Rest Prohibition notices were handed out during the crackdown.
VOSA say they have stepped up their vehicle inspections in reaction to the concern within the industry as regard to limo companies operating on the roads who are not adhering to driving regulations. A series of similar spot-checks were carried out up and down the country during this year’s prom season, which is a peak time for limo hire.
The new was first reported via online transport magazine, The Chauffeur, please see the following link for more details http://www.thechauffeur.com/2010/10/more-than-half-of-limos-fail-checks-at-crackdown/
