Quote by EX_STAB
"OK, so you don't have any enforcement powers then? You have no powers to issue Fixed penalty notices? (illegal under the Bill of Rights but that doesn't seem to have been noticed by Government)
If you see someone with an insecure load do you have any powers to charge or arrest them? Can you take action in the case of someone being in breach of construction and use regulations?
The thing is, if you have powers beyond those of a traffic warden, you really are entering into what has been, traditionally, police territory because you are dealing with criminal rather than civil law.
Do enlighten us.
I do think there is a role for highway patrols but they should not be given Police powers and I think you have been."
Take a look at one of my previous posts on this thread about our powers, there is a link to the Traffic Management Act 2004, there you will find that our powers are for traffic management only we have no enforcement powers whatsoever. However VOSA have full powers to issue tickets for vehicle defects and breaches of regulations etc. They also operate weigh bridge stations. Although they are DoT like ourselves they are more into an enforcement type role. Ask any wagon driver what they think of VOSA and I don't think you'll get a favourable response!!