Roadside enforcement changes for ABS warning lamps 19 August 2011

VOSA has implemented changes to its roadside enforcement policy in light of FTA proposals to downgrade its response to situations where a yellow ABS warning lamp comes on during a vehicle journey.

Construction and use regulations permit a vehicle to continue with a journey or be taken to a place of repair if the ABS warning lamp illuminates during the journey, at the start of which the system was functioning correctly.

FTA negotiated with the Department for Transport and VOSA, who agreed to downgrade enforcement sanction policy where there is evidence available to a VOSA examiner of a yellow ABS warning lamp coming on during a journey.

In that case the action is now to issue an inspection notice, rather than a prohibition.

VOSA has issued a memo of enforcement to staff outlining the revised procedure when dealing with ABS warning lamp faults during roadside checks, in order to apply a consistent approach.

The procedure now involves VOSA examiners seeking evidence from the driver that the defect occurred en route.

If drivers have such evidence and that appropriate action has been taken and documented by the driver, then VOSA will downgrade to issuing an inspection notice.

FTA has produced guidance for members on recommended procedures for operators and drivers to follow should ABS warning lamps become illuminated during a journey.

Author
John Challen

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