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Reform needed for vehicle inspections in Scotland

UK ministers need to agree to a timescale which will grant Scottish vehicle inspectors powers to stop vehicles, including freight haulage trucks and trucks carrying loads, the Scottish government has warned.

The move would allow Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (Vosa) inspectors to carry out roadside checks on vehicles such as haulage trucks in Scotland without needing to be accompanied by police officers.

It would free up police time and is being backed by the Road Haulage Association, which is concerned with the interests of freight haulage drivers, and the Association of Chief Police Officers, the BBC reports.

Justice secretary Kenny MacAskill wrote to transport secretary Ruth Kelly in October urging her to change the laws currently governing the inspection of vehicles such as trucks carrying loads by the roadside.

However, Ms Kelly has yet to give a definite answer as to when it will be implemented, much to the disappointment of Mr MacAskill.

He said: "I am frustrated by the lack of any commitment to a timeframe for delivering this widely supported change. I appreciate the legislative pressures at Westminster, but the Scottish government is keen to give this a higher priority."

Currently, Vosa inspectors in England and Wales can carry out roadside inspections of vehicles, including freight haulage trucks and trucks carrying loads, without being accompanied by a police officer.

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