RA/PG/lt
24th April 2007
PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL
Automobile Association
Fanum House, Basing View
Basingstoke, Hampshire
RG21 4EA
For the Attn. Mr T Parker, Chief Executive
Dear Mr Parker,
VOSA
I am sure you are aware that I have had a meeting with VOSA recently, in
order to establish whether VRS T4, T5 etc are classed as specialised vehicles
or not. The response from both the Department of Transport and VOSA is that
all these vehicles would be covered under legislation, and as such we have a
strict maximum recovery distance of 100 klms radius from the Patrol’s base.
This would be relevant to any vehicle exceeding 3,500 kgs Maximum Absolute
Mass.
Any deviation from the above will result in legal action being taken by the
relevant Authorities against the Patrol and the AA. If a Patrol is stopped by
the Authority they can request a complete year of job sheets, and if it
proves that any Patrol exceeded the regulation limits prosecutions will also
apply. Unfortunately, RSS Patrols have not been given any detailed
information in this regard, except their Managers casually advising that this
legislation does not affect them. The same Managers often retort to saying
that VRS vehicles are exempt.
Could you please, as a legal responsibility and duty of care, provide me
and/or all Patrols with:-
1) A copy of your Exemption Certificate.
2) Clear guidelines on weight limits, distances and working hours etc.
Your urgent response is requested on behalf of AA Patrols.
Yours sincerely,
PAUL GRAFTON
ORGANISER
