Vehicle maintenance

 

Minibuses, large buses and coaches regardless of whether they are operated under a permit or operator's licence are still public service vehicles and subject to spot checks by VOSA examiners as to their roadworthiness.

The operator licence/permit holder and driver are responsible for the vehicle's safety and condition when it is being used on the road.

If the vehicle is found to be unfit, a graduated fixed penalty notice and/or a prohibition notice could be issued by a VOSA vehicle inspector to prevent it being driven. Failure to obey such a notice is against the law and could lead to a heavy fine and your operator's licence/permit being revoked.

 

"A pre-planned and well organised maintenance regime"

Your organisation must ensure that all vehicles are subject to a pre-planned and well organised maintenance regime which includes; driver daily walkaround checks, safety inspections in addition to servicing and MOT's.

 

• Driver Walkaround checks and a driver defect reporting system
• Safety Inspections
• Servicing
• Specialist or additional equipment
• MOT

 

It is your responsibility to ensure that any vehicle used, including any borrowed or hired-in, under your operator's licence/permit is also in a safe and roadworthy condition.

Licence/Permit holders who undertake their own safety inspections, servicing and repairs must have; competent qualified staff, adequate facilities and tools available appropriate to the number and size of vehicle being used.

 

Getting organised

Do you have an efficient and robust method of organising vehicle maintenance with the necessary requirements as identified by VOSA?

Where can I find more help and advice?

 

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Still unsure?

If you are still unsure please contact us for more information and advice

 

 

 

 

Operator licensing Reference Guide

• Operator licensing
• What is Hire & Reward?
• What is the legal definition of a minibus?
• What is a Public Service Vehicle (PSV)?
• Minibus operations and road safety policy
• Limosines & operator licensing
• Who can legally drive our minibus?
• Drivers Hours
• Tachographs
• Traffic Commissioners
• VOSA (Vehicle & Operator Services Agency)
• How do we keep our minibus in a safe and roadworthy condition?
• What is corporate manslaughter?
• Where can I find legal advice from a specialised transport solicitor?
• Minibus Support Advice helpline