BUS & COACH NEWSLETTER���from the Department for Transport Agencies

If you want to find outhow Driver CPC or Fixed Penalties are

going to affect your business, visit the

Department for Transport Agencies inHall 5 on Stand C60.

At VOSA, we're working hard to make complying with road transport regulations as straightforward as possible and to provide a range of options to suit you in the way you access our services. We improved our online operator self-service facility this year, making it easier to maintain your operator licence details. After Christmas, we'll be rolling out our online test booking systems for multiple tests. We're in the middle of working up a new way of delivering annual vehicle tests closer to where the vehicle is maintained - aiming to drive down your downtime and improve vehicle utilisation. So we've plenty to talk to you about, so please come along to our stand for a chat.

Welcome to the show! Kevin Rooney, Customer Director, VOSA

Introducing Driver CPC 10 September 2008 saw the introduction of the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) for the bus and coach industry.

All new drivers entering the profession will now need to take the Driver CPC Initial Qualification. However, existing drivers will be deemed to have acquired rights and will not have to take this.

Both new and existing drivers will need to complete 35 hours of periodic training. New drivers must complete this within 5 years of passing their Initial Qualification. Existing drivers must complete it by September 2013.

All drivers will need to complete 35 hours of training in 5-year cycles for as long as they wish to continue driving professionally. Driver CPC will be introduced to the HGV industry in September 2009.

Leaflets explaining the initial qualification and periodic training are available on the DfT Agencies stand (Hall 5, Stand C60). Further information is also available at www.transportoffice.gov.uk/cpc

If you have a specific query please call 0300 200 1122 or email customer.services@dsa.gsi.gov.uk (typing 'Driver CPC enquiry' in the subject field).

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with in the courts.

The scheme will ensure that effective and consistent sanctions can be taken against all drivers from the UK or elsewhere. It is expected to come into force in 2009.

Fixed Penalties coming soon... The Graduated Fixed Penalties and Deposits scheme will introduce penalties for a wide range of offences, including drivers' hours, overloading and vehicle condition. In many cases the penalties will be graduated depending upon the severity of the offence.

Penalties will range from £30 to £200 per offence. For those drivers unable to provide evidence of a UK address, a deposit will be immediately payable of a value equal to that of the fixed penalty. Deposits will also be payable for those offences severe enough to be dealt

Did you know...

VOSA is running a multi-lingual publicity campaign from November 2008 until Spring 2009 when the scheme is introduced. Copies of the leaflet are available at our Stand.

Immobilisation The introduction of immobilisation powers will provide another tool for VOSA to deal with dangerous vehicles. VOSA Examiners will have the power to immobilise vehicles that are subject to immediate prohibitions. For example they could be issued for:

• the driver being required to take rest,

• the vehicle being overloaded,

• the vehicle having dangerous mechanical defects, or

• where the driver has been required to pay a financial penalty deposit and has refused to do so.

The immobilisation device will be removed only when the cause of the prohibition is rectified.

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Big changes for the bus & coach industry Gareth Jones, VCA Principal Engineer writes…

Change is rapidly approaching for the Bus and Coach Industry, due to a revised European Framework Directive, which places these vehicles next in line for Whole Vehicle Approval.

Until now, only passenger cars, 2 and 3-wheeled vehicles and agricultural vehicles have been subject to European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA), but over the next few years the process will be extended to cover all passenger and goods vehicles and trailers. The first vehicle types to be affected by this change will be minibuses, buses and coaches.

Mandatory approval applies to new types of buses and coaches (M2 and M3 vehicles) from 29 April 2009 and covers complete and incomplete vehicles. The application date for new types of completed vehicles follows a year later - 29 April 2010. Existing types of vehicle have a little longer to comply - 29 October 2010 and 29 October 2011 respectively.

Here at the VCA we have a rising number of bus and coach customers who benefit from our expertise. We help companies find their way around legislation and guide them through vehicle development stages to final certification. Similarly, our colleagues in VOSA are also busy helping existing customers currently having their vehicles approved under the Certificate Of Initial Fitness (COIF)scheme, to adapt to the forthcoming changes which the Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) scheme will bring.

Large manufacturers have been quick to realise the benefits that ECWVTA brings, allowing them to certify their vehicles with only one authority. This results in a more simplified route to certification and means that inspections in other countries are not required. Whilst for smaller manufacturers building one offs or vehicles in low numbers destined for sale or use within GB, the less onerous IVA route is also available.

Johnny Grundin, Whole Vehicle Project Manager of the Volvo Bus Corporation in Gothenburg said: "We've been working with VCA for over 2 years developing our Whole Vehicle procedures. Volvo Bus Corporation has a strong and long-standing relationship with VCA and we will be using them for certification of our completed buses."

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What is ECWVTA? ECWVTA is the process by which prototype vehicles are tested to meet European safety and environmental standards. The process includes an assessment of the vehicle production process, to ensure that all subsequent vehicles of that type meet the same specifications. Type approved vehicles are then deemed fit for production and sale within Europe. This means that no European member state can refuse the sale or entry of the vehicle. The new regulations will help to harmonise the European market and make things easier for companies to meet one set of standards for the whole of Europe.

Will you be affected? The new regulations for buses and coaches will affect businesses at many stages in the lead up to point of sale. This includes manufacturers, importers, body builders and vehicle converters. Make sure your business is up to speed with the changes.

Options for low volume vehicles For those making small numbers of vehicles, National Small Series Type Approval (NSSTA) could be the option for you, although certification may not be recognised across Europe. And for those making 'one-offs' or low numbers, Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) will certify you for UK sale only.

For information on the Recast Framework Directive see the VCA website or email ecwvta@vca.gov.uk or for more information on the IVA scheme see www.transportoffice.gov.uk/ecwvta

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Speeding up Operator Self Service An upgrade to the Operator Self Service (OSS) website went live earlier this year. Belinda Edwards, Marketing Manager, looks at what this change means for operators.

OSS is the self-service side of the Operator Licensing Business System. This system allows operators to make changes to their licences online at www.transportoffice.gov.uk.

The recently completed update has led to an enhanced service for customers, with improved accessibility and clearer navigation and help text.

For those operators not familiar with the service, or who may have tried to use the previous version of OSS, there have been some major improvements to the registration and log-in process and also to the retrieval of forgotten passwords. All of this makes the service far more user-friendly.

As many operators who already use the service will testify, the beauty of OSS is that it can save a business a great deal of time, allowing changes to be made at the operator's convenience. Our data shows that the services and information on the Transport Office website are used extensively during quieter periods at evenings and weekends.

Another advantage of OSS is that the information is in 'real time', so if an operator makes changes to their licence details, the record will reflect these updates with immediate effect. VOSA staff working in operator licensing will also be able to see these changes straight away.

How to register for Operator Self Service • Go to www.transportoffice.gov.uk. • Go to the 'Do it online' section and click on

'Operator Licensing Self Service'. • In the 'New Users' box, click on 'Register'.

What to do if you have registered but have forgotten your login details If you've forgotten your user ID or password or memorable word you can get an automatic

reminder or re-set your login details using the online service.

• Go to www.transportoffice.gov.uk. • Go to the 'Do it online' section and click on

'Operator Licensing Self Service'. • Click on 'Existing Users' box.

OSS at a glance • View and print a summary of operator

licence records. • Keep your contact details up to date. • Add or remove vehicles to your licence

easily - no paperwork to complete. • Add or remove Directors, Transport

Managers and Partners. • Apply to increase your authority or to add or

remove operating centres. • Pay your operator licence fees. • Receive correspondence about your licence

electronically - avoiding delays with the post and saving time, paper and the environment.

Business advantages of OSS • You have a full overview of the information

held by VOSA - without the need to write or phone.

• It's the fastest way to change details - no paper forms or relying on the post.

• You have control, so registration marks should be right first time.

• Payment online will ensure that documents arrive quickly.

• Correspondence, contacts and personnel can all be changed without delay.

• A variation to the licence can be put in motion immediately.

• Your business can be kept up-to-date about important changes without delay.

Don't forget that the website also gives you an easy way to keep up to speed with all the information on services and activities which affect operators. Just visit www.transportoffice.gov.uk and click on 'Bus and Coach Operators' on the left hand side of the page.

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Headlamp aim consultation We bring you important news about a consultation and proposals around headlamp aim assessments.

VOSA is consulting with stakeholders this autumn about the introduction of a new method of assessing headlamp aim as part of the annual roadworthiness tests.

There are two main aspects to the proposals: • introducing a modern electronic method of

assessing headlamp aim • simplifying the headlamp aim standard

'window' (by applying single category limits for all vehicles and removing the current 'left 2%' horizontal standard).

We are proposing that, subject to consultation, these test changes will be introduced in early 2009. This timescale would enable VOSA to ensure that:

• all the necessary new test equipment is in place

• vehicle testers are fully trained in the new test standards and methods

• vehicle presenters are informed in good time of the changes.

The last changes made to the headlamp aim test were in 1990. These were to safeguard against vehicle presenters setting their headlamps too low and/or too far to the left to guarantee a test pass. However, these changes resulted in 4 potential test windows, which in practice proved complicated to apply and challenging to meet.

Because modern vehicle design incorporates a headlamp range adjustment facility, VOSA has identified that there is scope to modify and simplify the aim test window without any identifiable risk to road users. At the same time, we would like to modify the way in which whether a headlamp does or does not meet the pass standard is determined.

At present, the test is carried out by eye with reference to an 'aim screen' inside the test module, which is located immediately in front of the headlamp. However, the fact that the test is carried out by eye prevents the result from being totally consistent. VOSA proposes the use of modern electronic technology to deliver a far more accurate and objective test.

Further information can be found on: www.transportoffice.gov.uk, click on general info/consultations.

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VOSA's enforcement role is changing A recent review was undertaken of VOSA's responsibility for the enforcement of the Road Transport Working Time Regulations. Ministers have now agreed that as well as responsibility for investigating complaints, Traffic Examiners will also:

• establish awareness of the Road Transport Working Time Regulations

• during visits to operator premises, assess the effectiveness of the systems in place for compliance.

Examiners may respond to breaches in regulations in a range of ways. For minor issues, improvements can be advised. Ignoring this advice or more serious or systematic abuse would result in the issue of an improvement notice. In situations where it is considered that a practice is likely to be dangerous to employees' health and safety, a prohibition notice may be issued.

In cases where an improvement or prohibition notice is issued, a report will be submitted to the Traffic Commissioner.

Working Time gets reviewed

So what can you do to ensure you comply? • Make sure you and your mobile workers

know the rules. • Make sure any workforce or collective

agreements are properly documented. • Check that the system you have in place is

sufficient to show compliance and that all supporting records are available.

• If you feel you need advice, seek it before you are visited by an Examiner.

For more information: • Call VOSA's national number on

0300 123 9000 • Email enquiries@vosa.gov.uk • Download guidance from

www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/freight/road

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The Local Transport Bill

Further information can be found at:

www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/regional/localtransportbill/ltbdraftguidance.pdf

Electronic Bus Service Registration: update Since the successful launch of Electronic Bus EBSR across their UK operations. There are Service Registration (EBSR) in December now three operating companies within 2007, over 550 bus registrations have been Stagecoach UK Bus that are exclusively using submitted to the Traffic Commissioners using EBSR to register or vary all bus services. the new electronic functionality.

Discussions have taken place with other large The two original pilot operators, Stagecoach operators, and it is hoped that they will begin UK Bus and Arriva PLC, continue to roll out piloting EBSR in the near future.

The Local Transport Bill is currently before Parliament and is expected to come into force as an Act later this year. But what is the Bill about and what difference will it make to you?

One area of the Bill aims to improve local bus services by amending the provisions in the Transport Act 2000 relating to Quality Partnership Schemes (QPSs).

A QPS is a scheme under which a Local Transport Authority (LTA) provides specified facilities in its area. Such facilities might include bus lanes, other bus priority measures and enhanced facilities for passengers at bus stops and bus stations. The Bill expands the terms of the QPS, allowing the LTA to specify maximum fares, frequencies or timings. These would be included as part of the standards of service to be provided under a scheme, in addition to the quality standards.

Any operator providing local services is free to join the scheme, providing they give a written undertaking to the Traffic Commissioner. This document must state that they will provide services to the standards specified in the scheme. The Local Transport Bill will ensure that these standards include timings, frequencies and maximum fares.

In exchange the operator can use the facilities provided by the LTA.

The Bill also includes measures to change the permits scheme. Permits are issued to not for profit organisations as an alternative to holding a PSV operator's licence. The Bill proposes that:

• Section 19 permits are expanded to include vehicles adapted to carry 8 or fewer passengers; and

• Section 22 Community Bus Permits are expanded to allow the use of larger vehicles (i.e. those adapted to carry 17 or more passengers).

In addition, the Bill proposes to impound PSVs being used without a PSV operator's licence, and to create a statutory post of Senior Traffic Commissioner.

For more information, email:

phil.jowitt@vosa.gov.uk

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Limo loophole closed

VOSA to introduce PSV impounding VOSA examiners will soon have the power to impound Public Service Vehicles (PSV). This is an important step forward in improved road safety, giving us the opportunity to immediately remove illegal vehicles from the road.

VOSA's overall aim is to introduce a more stringent sanction to deal with illegal PSV operators who continue to operate without a PSV Operator's Licence. VOSA will ensure that the PSV impounding scheme is implemented in the most effective way for the industry and VOSA front line staff.

The legal provision for PSV impounding has been included in the recent Local Transport Bill

which is expected to secure Royal Assent in 2008.

It is expected that the sanctions will come into force on 1 October 2009, with VOSA making use of them with immediate effect.

The Pre-Registration Inspection (PRI) scheme is an enforcement initiative to prevent vehicles with more than 8 passenger seats from being registered in Great Britain if they do not meet legal requirements.

The PRI check assesses a vehicle's compliance with construction and use standards. This check is targeted at new vehicles with more than 8 passenger seats that do not require type approval, such as limousines.

A large proportion of vehicles used in the limousine industry are being operated illegally as PSVs, as they have been registered with

the DVLA without type approval/certification when they cannot meet Certificate of Initial Fitness (COIF) standard. This has resulted in an increase in non-compliant vehicles in the UK.

Vehicles with more than 8 passenger seats can now only be registered if they have passed a PRI or been issued with a COIF.

In 2011 the European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA) for this vehicle type will make the PRI scheme obsolete. For more information visit www.transportoffice.gov.uk

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'S' marked Roadworthiness Prohibition Notices We examine what an ‘S’-marked roadworthiness prohibition notice means and what you can do to ensure you don't receive one.

If you've ever received an ‘S’-marked roadworthiness prohibition notice, you'll know that it is a serious matter.

When an examiner finds a defect during an inspection they will make a decision if the defect might have arisen due to any apparent failure in the maintenance systems. At VOSA such defects are classified as follows:

• not considered maintenance related • may or may not be considered

maintenance related • indicating a possible significant failure in

the maintenance arrangements

If, in the examiner's opinion, any of the defect(s) listed indicates the likelihood of a (‘S’) significant failure in the maintenance systems, the notice issued to the operator will say so. Notification sent to the operator by post will include a form identifying the defect(s) and giving reasons for this conclusion. Typically this category includes defects that

drivers and/or operators should have been aware of or been able to prevent. It is important to remember that maintenance systems required for operator licensing purposes include driver daily checks as well as inspection and repair systems. Any work completed between inspections is also considered to be part of the maintenance systems. It is therefore important that the quality of intermediate repairs is monitored in the same way as driver checks and regular inspections.

An operator who has received a prohibition notice should investigate the circumstances leading up to the issue and make any improvements necessary to prevent the situation from reoccurring. This is particularly important if the notice has been endorsed to indicate an apparent significant failure in maintenance.

VOSA uses the 'significant' endorsement on notices as a prompt to review the operator's roadworthiness history. Where appropriate, an examiner may make further assessments. These might include (for licensed operators) a visit to conduct further vehicle inspections and an investigation into the maintenance systems. Where this is the case, a report for referral to the Traffic Commissioner will be submitted to the operator's local Regional Intelligence Unit.

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Did you know that the ten most common failure items at the annual test have remained constant over the last few years? VOSA is giving you a few hints and tips to help you pass the test first time.

Top Ten Failure Items at the Annual PSV Test

Headlamp AimX

LampsYEnsure all statutory lamps are working. Gently tap all lenses to ensure there are no loose connections, and check for broken, cracked or insecure lenses.

Body interiorZCheck for any access or exits obstructed and make sure retractable steps are in operation; all seating for security and cleanliness should be checked too. Missing parcel rails, grab rails, stanchions, guard rails and barriers insecure or likely to endanger passengers. Check interior covers and surfaces for insecurity and contamination. If relevant, check wheelchair spacing, lift and ramps for operation. Also check if your vehicle requires a first aid kit and that the correct type of fire extinguisher is fitted.

Check bulbs have been fitted correctly and ensure adjusters are easily accessible and can move freely. The person presenting the vehicle should have the correct tools and competence to adjust the headlight aim if required. Carry out a symmetry check making sure that both headlamps are positioned in the same horizontal plain.

[Brake system components Check for any air/fluid leaks. Fully apply the service break (for 10-15 seconds) because this show up any underlying weaknesses in the system. Check for correct operation and adjustment of the load sensing valve (LSV); ensure all brakes are properly adjusted and check for condition and security of all friction material/brake rods/levers/flexible and rigid pipes.

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Service Brake Performance \If friction lining is legal, don't reline immediately prior to the test (if you do, ensure that the brakes are properly bedded in before test). Ensure that all brakes are properly adjusted. Don't steam clean wheels and hubs prior to the test.

Suspension_ Check for security of suspension components and signs of any obvious damage or abnormal wear. Check for any air leaks from air suspension components.

Secondary brake test a

Seatbelts ^Seatbelt condition checks will be undertaken on all PSVs where fitted, irrespective of age. Seatbelt installation checks are only applicable to vehicles first registered prior to 1 October 2001. Check your previous test certificate to ensure that your vehicle has had the seatbelt installation check and take the certificate with you at the time of the annual test. There is a full explanation detailing all seatbelt requirements under section 3 of the PSV Inspection Manual.

Doors and emergency exits ]Check all doors for condition, completeness, operation and security. Also check doors and door controls for the correct type of markings and ensure that the markings are legible.

Steering mechanism `Visually check all steering components for any abnormal wear. Ensure that there are no leaks from any power assisted steering system.

If friction lining is legal, don't reline immediately prior to the test (if you do, ensure that the brakes are properly bedded in before test). Ensure that all brakes are properly adjusted. Don't steam clean wheels and hubs prior to the test.

Please Note: Three out of the ten items listed above are instrumented checks, and should be checked during preparation for the test, using the appropriate calibrated equipment.

For more information on the annual test procedure contact VOSA on

0300 123 9000

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Change to VOSA's national number In order to provide a better, cheaper service, VOSA has changed its national phone number. The current 0870 number has changed to a lower rate 0300 number.

The new number is 0300 123 9000 and will cost less to call than the 0870 number. Calls provided by BT are charged at a low rate and charges from other providers may vary

Operator Workshops 05 December 2008, VOSA Workshop BRISTOL: Cadbury House, Frost Hill, Congresbury, Bristol BS49 5AD. Registration 8:45am

14 January 2009, VOSA Workshop TELFORD: Telford Golf & Spa Hotel, Great Hay Drive, Telford, Shropshire TF7 4DT. Registration 8:45am

11 February 2009, VOSA Workshop NEWCASTLE: Newcastle Holiday Inn, Great North Road, Seaton Burn, Newcastle upon Tyne NE13 6BP

If you are interested in attending the Driver, Vehicle & Operator workshops, please contact Lilian Carroll on 01792 454 365 or by email at lilian.carroll@vosa.gov.uk

Consultations - your opportunity! So, why bother getting involved in part of the Department for Transport go to consultations? It is crucial that we get your http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations. feedback, in order to consider any changes you feel we should make to the proposals. If you would like to be told about any Although we can't always do what you would consultation VOSA is conducting, please like, your opinion counts, whether it be about send your email address and an indication fees, your Operator Licence or any other of your area of interest (e.g. HGVs, PSVs) consultation. To keep up to date with to: Public.Consultations@vosa.gsi.gov.uk consultations affecting VOSA, or any other

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Future perfect... VOSA may be celebrating 40 years of heavy vehicle testing, but we still need to plan for the agency’s future. A forthcoming public consultation will give you a say in how we evolve and continue to deliver world-class public services.

In recent months, the Department for Transport (DfT) has endorsed a series of plans that will change the way VOSA operates. We are now ready to share these plans with customers, to get their opinions and comments.

The plans are based on the three key goals for public services that the Prime Minister set out in Excellence and fairness: Achieving world class public services earlier this year:

• to combine excellence with fairness

• to respond to rising aspirations for highquality services that are shaped by the customer, available when they need them and tailored to meet their individual circumstances

• to unleash a new professionalism in those who deliver our services.

The first stage of the consultation on S102 has taken place. Outcomes for this consultation will be discussed once all responses have been collated and considered.

The second stage of the public consultation will run over the autumn and will cover:

• an increase in fees to reflect inflation

• the enactment of a provision to allow deficits to be recovered and surpluses to be reduced

• proposed new fees for non-statutory services such as voluntary checks.

At the same time, the DfT will launch a strategy to enable more tests at locations closer to where customers keep their vehicles. Dates and times will now be more convenient to the customer. Both the strategy and the fee consultation will influence VOSA’s future path. It is important that as many customers as

possible comment on both documents so that we can, as far as possible, develop our services to meet your requirements.

As consultation documents are not the easiest of reads, a series of events and communications have been put in place to explain the key points and answer any questions you may have.

We will be running a series of operator workshops across the country to discuss this strategy and talk about what it means for our testing service. We will also hold briefing sessions in conjunction with the major trade associations. See the Find out more section at the end of this article for more details.

We want VOSA to be at the forefront in achieving the Prime Minister’s goals and we believe that our plans will take us there – but we need your views. Please take this opportunity and help us to deliver the services that will meet your needs and improve the standard of vehicles on our roads.

Find out more You can download a copy of Excellence and fairness: Achieving world class public services at:

www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/~/media/ assets/www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/strategy/ publications/world_class_public_services% 20pdf.ashx

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To get some leaflets and find out more about Fixed Penalties, Driver CPC, European Whole Vehicle Type Approval and Drivers’ Hours, visit us in Hall 5 at Stand C60.