Catalogue description Records of the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency

The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) was established in April 2003 by the merger of the Vehicle Inspectorate Agency with the Traffic Area Network. It is a non-departmental public body which operates as a trading fund, sponsored by the Department for Transport (DfT).

VOSA provides a range of licensing, testing and enforcement services with the aim of improving the roadworthiness standards of vehicles, ensuring the compliance of operators and drivers with road traffic legislation, and supporting the independent Traffic Commissioners (in Northern Ireland the same role is carried out by the Driver and Vehicle Agency: DVA).

The Agency works with independent Traffic Commissioners to improve road safety and the environment; safeguard fair competition by promoting and enforcing compliance with commercial operator licensing requirements; process applications for licences to operate lorries and buses; register bus services; operate and administer testing schemes for all vehicles, including the supervision of the MOT testing scheme; enforce the law on vehicles to ensure they comply with legal standards and regulations; enforce drivers hours and licensing requirements; provide training and advice for commercial operators; and investigate vehicle accidents, defects and recalls.