The campaign is aimed at uncovering operators and drivers of goods vehicles who flout the law and ultimately place road users at risk. A recent compliance survey in the province revealed that over 50% of goods vehicles using NI roads were found to be committing one or more significant offences or had one or more serious mechanical defects present when scrutinised by Enforcement Officers.
The campaign, which began this morning on the A1 dual carriageway at Sprucefield, Lisburn, will extend across NI over the coming weeks and will be supported by officers from PSNI Roads Policing, HMRC Road Fuel Testing Unit and DVA’s Vehicle Excise Evasion Team. A comprehensive range of new technology and vehicle test equipment will be deployed to detect those breaking the law and enable more in-depth evaluation of vehicle condition including braking performance at the roadside.
DVA Chief Executive Brendan Magee said: "Effectively enforcing vehicle and driver compliance at the roadside is crucial if we are to succeed in reducing the number of unsafe drivers and vehicles using our roads, we want to ensure fair competition throughout the haulage industry and protect our road and bridge networks.
"These operations are focused on deterring those drivers and operators prepared to operate illegally. Where appropriate prosecution action will be instigated and operator licences curtailed, suspended or revoked."
Notes to Editors:
- The Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA), as part of the Review of Public Administration, brings together the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland (DVLNI) and the Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency (DVTA). This means that a single organisation is responsible for licensing and testing vehicles and drivers in Northern Ireland.
- DVA has also primary responsibility for the delivery of a number of enforcement functions including the effective regulation of goods vehicles, buses, coaches, taxis and private cars. In addition the Agency also enforces vehicle excise compliance.
- Enforcement Officers will be deploying two livery enforcement cars, two livery vehicle examination vans, automatic number plate recognition systems and also a portable brake tester, portable weigh pads, electronic digital analysis equipment and electronic speed limiter equipment during the operations.
- Members of the public who suspect illegal activity can report their suspicions in strict confidence to the Agency using the following Intelligence Hotline Telephone 028 9025 4101.
- For further media information, please contact the DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0003. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
