CELEBRITY EXCLUSIVE

When did you pass your driving test? What vehicle(s) do you own or have When I was 20. I wasn’t in a rush access to and why do you like them? to learn because I went to uni in I have a Honda S2000 which I love The magazine for the and its agencies and cycled everywhere. because it’s fantastically reliable, has By the time I got my licence I’d started lots of personality, drives like a proper modelling so I loved the feeling of sports car (with six gears etc) and has independence – playing the music the ‘feel’ of being on two wheels. I also I liked as I travelled back and forth to have a Honda CBR600 RR – which assignments in my Ford Fiesta Popular this year was voted ‘the best bike you Plus! I didn’t develop a passion for can buy’. It’s a superb all-rounder. motorbikes until my late twenties. Do you ever use public transport? What is your preferred method of In I use the tube a lot. I like travel and why? taking trains when I’m abroad. Suzi Perry was the world’s first Motorbikes – because they’re quick Have you ever suffered from road female motorcycle racing presenter. and they give you a nice feeling of rage or been on the receiving end? She says she simply rang the Sky superiority! I often end up chatting to Sports producer and asked for a job! other bikers at traffic lights and don’t I’m calm in traffic – I know I won’t get From motorcycling reports on Sky notice the lights have changed! I clock there any quicker if I’m impatient so I Sports News she soon progressed to up a lot of air miles too – I’ve done just turn up the music and sing along. live reporting on World Superbikes, 100 flights this year – including Japan, I’ve seen some motorists lose the plot presenting Grand Prix motorcycling New Zealand, Australia, Mexico and though, so I’m very safety conscious highlights and pit lane reporting the USA. and always keep my car doors locked and presenting of Elite League and the soft top up when driving Speedway. Do you have a favourite journey? around town. “I came up against a lot of I suppose it’s driving home to see my What do you listen to in your car? resistance in the early days, but that Mum in Wolverhampton. made the job all the more satisfying. I have loads of CDs – Carol King, The relationship I’ve subsequently What was the worst journey you ever Elvis, Coldplay, Robbie Williams, built up with the riders is a big made and why? Glen Campbell, Bee Gees, Red Hot thing for me.” The ‘journey from hell’ was probably Chilli Peppers, Billy Joel, Eric Clapton, Suzi lives in London, but grew up when I was filming Treasure Hunt in David Gray. I also like Radio 2 on long in Wolverhampton and is ‘a huge the USA and also hopping back and journeys – particularly the Steve Wright Wolves fan’. forth between Australia and Japan for and Johnnie Walker shows because Nowadays she’s the ‘face of Grandstand. We needed at one point I grew up with the music they play. motorcycling’ for BBC Grandstand. to get a flight from Dallas across to I keep in touch with the sports news She can also be seen at Wimbledon, New Orleans where we were filming – on Radio 5 Live too. the , the Great but we landed at Dallas in a snowstorm Is it better to travel than to arrive? North Run and the Boat Race. (it never snows there!) and our plane Away from sport she’s worked on was stuck on the runway for five hours. I think it depends where you’re going. popular BBC1 programmes like Eventually they told us we couldn’t take If it’s somewhere for pleasure the Get Your Motor Running Housecall, Summer Holiday, off until the next day. So we returned to journey is all part of the relaxation. Watchdog Healthcheck and City the hub only to find there was no hotel But, when I’m working, I hate hanging Hospital. Most recently she was the accommodation available and no shops around waiting for plane connections helicopter-hopping skyrunner and or restaurants open… or getting stuck in traffic jams. Transport trade fairs are co-presenter of BBC2’s Treasure Hunt series. Is there a journey you’d really like to undertake? coming to town I’d love to spend a few months travelling around India on an old motorbike – a Royal Enfield for instance.

Issue 08 | Jan/Feb 2004 16 l a2b l Jan/Feb 2004 Editor’s letter Contents News

Editorial contact A new year is never really Acting editor: David James Features Crimebusting tax discs introduced tel. GTN 3533 4739 the blank page we /020 7944 4739 08 Taxing times ahead for cheating drivers sometimes want it to be. Post Offices across the country Editorial office 10 It’s showtime! Communication Directorate It may hold endless are now issuing new style tax Department for Transport 5 / 03 Great Minster House possibilities, but we build Regulars discs for licensing applications. 76 Marsham Street London them out of what has They include enhanced security SW1P 4DR 02 News Keeping track: Kim Howells on his tour of the rail network gone before. Which is features to crack down on fraud. Editorial board 06 Profile: Gary Austin Alison Hadley, probably just as well, as there has been For the first time tax discs will Department for Transport 12 Safe in their hands Minister sets the cyber- SAMPLE David James, plenty to occupy us in recent weeks – include a barcode that will Department for Transport publication of the aviation white paper, the 14 Sports and Social enable licensing information to Andrew Wiles, DVO Group Rail Regulator’s interim review of track 16 Celebrity exclusive: Suzi Perry pace with on-line insights be electronically transferred to DVLA from Post Office Wynne Keenan, Driver and Vehicle access charges, the local transport Rail Minister Kim Howells has been touring the country Ltd. This will have a major impact on accuracy of the Licensing Agency settlement, the opening of the M6 toll vehicle record, which will assist law enforcement and Rosemary Bunce, to see for himself some of the work to upgrade the rail Highways Agency road... network. And the net-friendly Minister has been keeping customer service. Steve Pothecary, There’s plenty to think about in this issue, a unique on-line diary, describing the people he has met In response to public demand the last day of the month Vehicle Certification Agency has been reintroduced on the expiry dateline. Shaded Christine Clements, too. January sees the London Boat Show and the places he has been. Driving Standards Agency kick off another year of trade fairs, The web diary gives an impression of the scale of the boxes have been included to increase the prominence Elizabeth Austin-Hancock, of important licensing information. Maritime and Coastguard exhibitions and specialist shows at which work, explaining that £73 million of public money is Agency DfT and the agencies will be a highly being invested in rail every week. And it doesn’t disguise Rachel Everington, Vehicle and Operator visible presence. A lot of work goes into the sort of problems rail faces. There are also some Services Agency a successful stand at these events, insights into the sheer volume of rail usage. Did you Most MOT customers Heather Davies, Vehicle and Operator although most of those involved would say know that so many trains pass through Clapham Services Agency it’s worth it. Turn to pages 10 and 11 to Junction that maintenance crews struggle to find a few satisfied, survey finds a2b is produced on find out more. hours in the dead of night in which to work? Or that behalf of DfT by Bell. Two thirds of private motorists 77/78 St. Martin’s Lane, They keep talking up an eighties revival, McDonalds at London’s Liverpool Street Station is the London, WC2N 4AA. were very satisfied with their but while shoulder pads and Duran Duran busiest branch in Europe? The views expressed in a2b last MOT test. That’s one of the are not necessarily those may yet stage a comeback, that abandoned Leading the way: l to r Gareth Beynon (Head of Recruitment and But what comes across clearly is how impressed of the editorial team or DfT Staffing Group), Jayne Ryan (Disabled Persons Officer), Maria Eagle key findings of a survey to find or its agencies. While great Ford Sierra or Austin Maestro is never Kim Howells has been by the people who work on care has been taken to ensure (Minister for Disabled People) and Michael Sedgwick (Customer out how private motorists view accuracy, DfT and the editorial going to be popular. Dumped cars are the the railways, “There can be few better ways for a Enquiry Group). the MOT scheme. The Vehicle and design team cannot visible tip of the iceberg when it comes to Government transport minister to learn the job than to accept responsibility for and Operator Services Agency errors or omissions. road tax dodgers and out-of-date vehicle meet staff that work on the stations, signals and signal DVLA national winner in (VOSA) commissioned pollsters MORI to carry out the Distribution registration. And accurate records are boxes, trains and tracks 24 hours a day, ensuring that If you have any problems survey last autumn. or queries, or wish to notify vital in the fight against crime and disability employment awards the services are available for millions of passengers a change of address, please It’s clear from the results that once customers find a contact David James (GTN environmental blight. Find out about who rely on the trains to get them around”. 3533 4739). Agency staff The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency’s positive policies garage that they like and trust, they will continue to use DVLA’s latest initiative on pages 8 and 9. Read Kim Howells’ rail tour diary for yourself in the should contact their own towards recruiting and employing people with disabilities it. Over a third of those questioned have used the same distribution centres. Finally, I now end my brief stint in the ministerial pages of www.dft.gov.uk (in the about has won them a national award. garage for six years or more and 80 per cent said they Printing editor’s chair. Hayley Carmichael, who DfT section). Maurice Payne Colourprint Ltd DVLA has been declared the national winner in the ‘large would speak highly of the last garage they used to get on paper comprising 75 per joins us from the Department for Work and cent post-consumer waste organisation’ category at the 2003 Remploy ‘Leading the their MOT – with or without being specifically asked. and 25 per cent ECF pulp. Pensions, will edit the March/April a2b. Way’ Award. This follows earlier success in the regional February launch for diversity programme The survey also found that private motorists see the March/April issue: She will be guided by your responses to our The deadline for copy is competition. main purpose of the MOT as being to make sure vehicles 9th Feburary 2004. recent readership survey (see page 5), the On 2 February, DfT Minister Tony McNulty will launch the The Agency was presented with the award by Maria on the road are safe – which is great news for VOSA Cover: Up close with the wise counsels of the editorial panel, and my Department for Transport diversity programme for 2004. exhibits at the Motor Show, Eagle, Minister for Disabled People, at a ceremony at Throughout February a wide range of events will be whose key objective is improving road safety. Only one of the many trade fairs own attempts at backseat driving! attended by DfT and its the Churchill Inter-Continental Hotel, London. held in the central Department and the agencies. 11 per cent of those asked saw value for money as agencies each year. This is the seventh year that the awards have been The events and publicity will both celebrate our diverse a reason for choosing a garage for their MOT, compared presented and the first occasion that a Government society and highlight the importance of diversity in with around 75 per cent who choose on location department or agency has won the accolade. developing policy, achieving our business goals and and reputation. Chief Executive Clive Bennett said, “I am naturally valuing staff. VOSA is pleased that the results of the survey are so delighted with this achievement which recognises the A detailed programme is available on DfT’s Transnet, positive. The agency will be looking in more detail at commitment of many people, staff and managers alike, or get further details from Annette Lewis on the areas of concern to see what can be done to David James Acting Editor within the Agency”. 020 7944 5281. tackle them.

02 l a2b l Jan/Feb 2004 Jan/Feb 2004 l a2b l 03 News

Rail Regulator reveals Network Learners click with Driving licence fraudsters get red light Rail funding conclusions The Driving Standards Agency is introducing new ways of reducing driving licence fraud at theory and practical The Rail Regulator, Tom Winsor, on-line booking driving tests to prevent drivers from taking to the roads in his final conclusions on Network Over 12,000 people have already taken advantage of illegally. DSA’s more rigorous check of photocard driving Rail’s funding requirements, has the Driving Standards Agency’s (DSA) internet based licences involves closer inspection of licences’ in-built

Photo courtesy of ABP decided the company will receive facility which allows learner drivers to book their practical security features. Solent venue: Southampton docks, setting for one of the roadshows £22.2 billion for the operation, driving test on-line. Practical test candidates have been DSA, Operations Director, Brian Gilhooley, said “There is maintenance and renewal of the able to book their tests directly on the internet using DSA’s evidence that fraudsters are targeting the photocard driving Joint initiative boosts rail network in over web site www.dsa.gov.uk since 24 October. licence by producing realistic fake licences. We do all we the five years starting in April 2004. This is substantially Customers can book a test at a test centre of their choice, can to ensure that the candidate taking the test is the right maritime security less than had originally asked for. giving their preferred date for the test, and pay for it on- person. More rigorous checking of photocard licences will Among his other conclusions the Regulator has line. Customers still receive a booking confirmation letter aid our fight against fraudsters attempting to obtain driving A terrorist attack on a UK port could have catastrophic established: by post in the normal way. licences illegally”. consequences, and not just in terms of loss of life. • the income Network Rail will need to cover That’s why the maritime section of DfT’s Transport this expenditure; Security Directorate and Maritime and Coastguard Agency are working together to develop new security • the outputs Network Rail must deliver in terms of cutting delays and improving asset condition; Your verdict on our first year requirements for the ports and shipping industry. They have taken roadshows to ports around the • the outputs from and funding for the West Coast The September/October issue of a2b • features on aspects of agency or “Much more ferocious, controversial country, from Southampton to Aberdeen, spelling out Main Line route modernisation; included a readers’ survey, and the DfT work (83 per cent said “quite” debate about why the Department the importance of security in the wake of the heightened • performance incentives that will apply; and results are now in. or “very” interesting); and seems to think it is doing a good global terrorist threat. Maritime section’s Paul Levey • tightly defined provision for future access charges First of all, of approximately 18,000 • senior management profile (75 per job but the public doesn’t.” explained, “We’ve been talking to the captains of reviews within the next five years. survey forms sent out with the magazine, cent said “quite” or “very” interesting). “Readers letters/input.” only 330 were returned. This is less than industry and they’ve been very supportive. Now we’re The survey form had space for your “It should be more fun, with perhaps we had hoped for, but still provides a trying to reach the operational staff.” comments too. Your remarks on a2b more quizzes, puzzles, jokes and useful insight into what some of you at The roadshows are part of the wider task of evaluating Recognition for in general were varied and on the competitions.” least think about the magazine. whole encouraging: and developing security regimes for some 600 port “I would include more on specific pioneering health project Overwhelmingly, those of you who did “Think it’s got good balance. Good facilities, to meet a deadline of 1 July 2004 for transport items eg a feature on T5 respond to the survey are positive about photos, lively looking magazine. Don’t A DfT team has won a at Heathrow or the West Coast rail implementation of new security requirements set by the a2b, with 79 per cent rating it as either feel it can be massively improved.” modernisation project – real ‘big’ International Maritime Organisation (IMO). “We’ve had prestigious prize for its “good” or “very good”. Only six per cent “Stay as U R” issues and transport improvements. to work to very tight deadlines,” said Paul. “A lot has work to improve the health thought it was “poor” or “very poor”. “I particularly like the features explaining DfT staff could do with reminding of been done, but it’s a huge task.” of seafarers. The BUPA Also encouraging was your response to the work of individual agencies… An the transport improvements in the UK!” “We developed and sent out questionnaires to over Foundation recognised the questions on a2b’s aims. Eighty-three per excellent magazine – please keep up “Less sports and social info, more 1,000 ports and terminals and then categorised all the work of a team led by cent of respondents “agreed” or “strongly the good work! More please!” agreed” with the statement that “a2b business news.” facilities by risk to identify priority ports, such as those Dr Tim Carter, Chief Medical Although there was some constructive gives you a better understanding “More articles from ‘around the country’ handling passengers, petro-chemicals or containers. Our Adviser to DfT, to develop criticism: inspectors are undertaking targeted surveys as a result.” new standards aimed at of the wider Department and the work – more regional rather than London it does”. Seventy three per cent agreed “For me a2b is too large and unwieldy. focused. More SPARTA news too.” By the end of January, they aim to have assessed reducing the risk of ill health or strongly agreed that “a2b explains If it were a smaller size, it would be around 300 port facilities, including those where an Health pioneer: Dr Tim Carter among those who work at more user friendly” “A bit more idea of different agencies – the progress the Department is making” such as an edition with, say, three attack would have the most serious consequences. sea.The team included representatives from the “There is nothing you can do to change and 75 per cent agreed or strongly different agencies profiled rather than TRANSEC has worked very closely with the maritime Department for Transport, the Maritime and Coastguard the fact that I just don’t have time to agreed that “a2b shows the value of bits and bobs: the next editions could Agency, the Chamber of Shipping and the maritime read it” industry, aiming to minimise the burden it faces. the work people do”. continue this theme.” “We’ve developed port facility security assessment and unions. We also wanted your suggestions for When it came to the various regular plan templates, comprehensive guidance documents and Shipping Minister David Jamieson said, “Our aim is future improvements. Here is a small Prize draw winner items in a2b, most popular were: new security standards,” Paul added. “ Many of these to identify problems such as poor vision, which may selection of what you would like to see The winner of the prize draw, selected new documents will be provided to the IMO in order to hamper look-out duties, and to reduce the risk of • news items (87 per cent of in a2b. at random, is Mrs Ann Tooze of DVLA. assist the implementation effort around the world and a serious illness at sea, such as a heart attack. respondents found them “quite” “Tips from experts about purchasing Ann wins a ‘red letter day’ prize valued or “very” interesting) vehicles etc.” at £125.00. the UK is now recognised as being one of the leading BUPA described Dr Carter’s project as, “an outstanding experts on maritime security.” example of pioneering work in occupational health”.

04 l a2b l Jan/Feb 2004 Jan/Feb 2004 l a2b l 05 Profile Profile

ecalling the time when he the first time someone was judging me and get our message across.” joined the Driving Standards on what I could do physically... and “Of course youngsters might think RAgency as chief executive I failed!” its cool wearing baseball hats with the in February 2000 after spending He, like most people, remembers music on full blast, but when they see seven years working for the National clearly the reasons why. “I was in the images of cars wrapped around tree Blood Service, Gary Austin joked, middle of the road whilst overtaking trunks because of unsafe driving, “I swopped collecting people’s blood parked cars. A car came the other they think again,” he says. to trying to stop people spilling it.” way... failing me was the right decision. “Our approach with older people is But there was a serious reason for the I was in the wrong position,” he adds. different, but we want to help them to move from Bristol to take up the reins However, this experience made him keep their mobility by driving safely.” at DSA’s headquarters. empathise with learner drivers. “It’s Although it’s the lead agency on “The agency makes a huge difference easy to forget how nervous people feel safer driving, the DSA cannot achieve to people. When I joined DSA I was when they are being tested. I look back its objectives on its own. “It’s about struck by the agency’s strapline ‘safe on that first test and think about how working in partnership. We work with driving for life’ and by how many of learners must feel about their tests.” the police, local authorities and the the agency’s staff were totally committed If you think that would make Gary private sector.” to achieving this.” and his colleagues at the DSA a soft “The scheme is a great “I also wanted to play my part in the touch, think again. example whereby new drivers get business of making people better drivers “The driving test is now longer than “The test is a validation reductions on their car insurance and reducing the number of deaths and ever before. An average test takes 40 of a learning process. premiums if they take an additional accidents on the roads.” minutes. Everyone is now expected six lesson course once they’ve passed Although Gary is proud of the UK’s to know the basics about how the car I want to help learners their test. Already 14 per cent of those strong record on road safety – along works. There’s the multi-choice theory be in a better position taking the practical test are choosing with Sweden it has the safest roads test and now the .” to qualify.” this option,” says Gary. in Europe – he warns against “We are pretty tough. It’s certainly “It saves money for drivers and complacency, “Despite having a good harder than in most countries. The insurance companies. More importantly, record, 3,400 people are still killed only other place to have a perception including Scotland,” he explains. it creates safer drivers.” every year on our roads. You can’t sit test is one state in Australia.” To keep up with the rising demand back and relax. We’ve already made However, Gary is keen to help for tests, the agency is growing fast some big changes but there’s still so learners. “The test is a validation “We want to be as responsive as much more to do.” of a learning process. I want to help possible. At the moment people have One of those changes was the learners be in a better position to to wait nine to ten weeks for their tests introduction of the hazard perception qualify. I am excited about the on average. I’d like to get the waiting test in November 2002. The idea of potential for e-learning, and want to time down to below six weeks.” this new addition to the theory test is see how that might help drivers. I am Working more closely with other DVO agencies is also a key objective. simple. “It’s about being aware of what’s also committed to DSA delivering on Getting personal going on in the road and how you react the objective of driving up instructor “The public doesn’t understand the to what happens,” explains Gary. standards as set out in the difference between the DSA, the Originally a Londoner, Gary worked for a number of banks after graduating “You go through a series of video clips Government’s Road Safety Strategy.” VCA (Vehicle Certification Agency) and have to identify when and where DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing from the University of Nottingham Gary is also proud of the fact that – with an honours degree in geography. there’s a safety hazard. It improves Agency) and VOSA (Vehicle Operator unlike many other Government After a six year spell at BT he joined people’s understanding of what’s safe agencies – DSA is self funding. Last Services Agency). the South West Regional Health driving and what threatens that safety.” year it even made a small surplus on “We want to create a one stop Authority in 1986 as a deputy regional Driving up standards, Each year the DSA oversees 1.5 its £101 million income. This surplus service – or no stop service – so when personnel director in Bristol. In 1992 million road tests involving around was ploughed back into its services. the public call up they get the Gary became chief executive, Blood 800,000 people, many of whom require information they need, rather than Service South West and then executive Running DSA also presents difficult director, National Blood Service in saving lives more than one test before they pass. contacting each agency separately.” management challenges. “We have Bristol two years later. In 2000 he Gary himself took more than one stab 2,200 staff. But only 200 are based Gary also wants to boost DSA work joined the DSA as chief executive. Gary Austin, Chief Executive of the Driving Standards at it before gaining his full licence. in our Nottingham head office. The educating both the young and old “I came late to driving. I did not learn about safer driving, “We currently visit Gary is married with two teenage 1,500 examiners who are testing children. Gardening and rugby are Agency, talks to a2b about DSA’s mission of ‘safe until I was in my thirties. I found it motorcyclists, bus drivers, lorry and car about 4,500 schools and colleges each among his hobbies. driving for life’. incredibly frustrating because it was drivers are spread all over the country, year. We want to increase this to 6,000

06 l a2b l Jan/Feb 2004 Jan/Feb 2004 l a2b l 07 Feature

Taxing times ahead for cheating drivers

ost of us hate cheats getting how these things improve road safety away with it. Which is and help drive down crime and make M probably why efforts to it fairer all round.” clamp down on vehicle owners who Developments in enforcement, like don’t pay car tax are supported by the power to seize untaxed vehicles, nine out ten people. complement moves to encourage The latest move gives the DVLA compliance, such as simplifying the power to automatically fine people instructions on filling in the vehicle who don’t renew their tax when it’s due. registration certificate when a vehicle “We are not in the business of changes hands. punishing those who are just careless Jeff Mumford at DVLA is in charge – we’re tackling determined offenders,” of publicising the new car tax rules. says the DfT’s head of licensing “We want to get across to people policy Richard Jones. that it’s in everyone’s interests to Don’t get caught out: car tax No tax disc usually equals no MOT, reduce the number of untaxed vehicles rules and you no insurance and an out-of-date on the road,” he explains. record, and that means a possibly Under new rules, which will unroadworthy vehicle that’s hard to make owners more accountable trace and an owner it’s difficult to Fact File and vehicles easier to track: find, let alone prosecute. Every year • if you don’t pay your car tax It also means that when someone on time, you get an automatic dumps their old, unwanted vehicle •Two million vehicles are sold without £80 penalty, halved if you outside your home, the local council a logbook settle within 28 days; can’t get back the cost of clearing up •1.75 million vehicles are untaxed Dumped cars get the boot the mess from the person responsible. • you don’t have to be spotted •317,000 cars are stolen – a third “This is costing councils millions,” says on the road without a valid tax are never recovered ong-term, cracking down on means he can get it towed away The result? Fewer arson attacks, less Richard, “and you and I pay for that.” disc to receive a penalty; •A third of motorists reported for vehicle people who don’t pay their immediately. The vehicle will be money spent cleaning up after vandals, To tackle car crime effectively, the tax evasion commit other offences tax should also help tackle and a pleasanter environment all round. • if you continue to drive without L impounded for up to a fortnight then Government needs to know who owns In 2002-03 the problem of abandoned cars. crushed or auctioned off, depending on an up-to-date tax disc, you every vehicle in the UK. Of the 300,000 cars that get its value, unless the owner claims it. Top Left Lending a hand: TV presenter Suzi face a fine of £1,000 or more; “We have got the most wonderful •The DVLA collected £4.6 billion vehicle excise duty (VED) dumped every year, some are stolen, “We make sure people know what we Perry joins the campaign to warn motorists • you will be asked to pay back technology, like automatic number of the new vehicle tax rules (Suzi Perry is but many are abandoned because the can do; they see a truck loaded with tax as well; and plate readers, but unless you have •£193 million VED was evaded the celebrity interviewee in this issue. Turn owners can’t sell them, even for scrap. seized cars driving through town and to page 16.) a reliable database none of it works •819,000 cases of evasion were • the tax is your responsibility even Now local authorities can use the decide not to take the chance,” he says. Below Shed load of trouble: dumped vehicles properly,” explains Richard. successfully pursued DVLA’s powers to seize untaxed attract vandals and arsonists (Picture courtesy after you’ve sold the vehicle if Untaxed, uninsured and generally The information held by the DVLA •£88 million was recovered in fines vehicles instantly and destroy or sell of Ian Kehoe, abandoned vehicles officer, you have not told DVLA. untraceable vehicles favoured by Ashfield District Council) is currently 92 per cent accurate. and back tax them if they are unclaimed. You already need to: criminals can now be seized without Their target is 97.5 per cent accuracy Government targets Middlesbrough Borough Council’s any proof they’ve been used in a • tell the DVLA when you sell or – checked through roadside surveys •Cut car crime by 30 per cent by 2005 abandoned vehicles officer Bill Morton otherwise dispose of a vehicle; – by 2005. gets 35-40 calls a week from a street crime, simply because they’re untaxed. •Cut the amount of tax lost from 4.5 And there’s less time for the vandals • display a valid tax disc or “We need people’s support, and to warden or police officer who’s spotted per cent of potential revenue to 2.9 to move in. Bill responds to call-outs declare SORN if your vehicle make them understand renewing their per cent by December 2006 what seems to be a dumped car. tax on time is important. They think Previously, the council could not within two hours – in 15 minutes if is kept off the road; •Halve the number of unregistered it’s just about money, but it’s not,” legally remove it for at least seven days. the police stop a suspect vehicle. • produce either the vehicle’s vehicles by 2007 adds Richard. All Bill could do was slap a notice on it With the fire brigade’s help he has tax reminder or registration “We’re giving out the hard message •Meet increased enforcement costs asking the owner to come forward – an worked out where abandoned vehicles certificate to get a tax disc. from fines that there’s no excuse, you have to open invitation to vandals and arsonists. are most at risk of being torched, to pay, but also softer messages about Now, the absence of a tax disc make those a priority too.

08 l a2b l Jan/Feb 2004 Jan/Feb 2004 l a2b l 09 Feature

When it comes to trade fairs and exhibitions, the transport industry is in a league of its own. From the Sunday Times Motorshow Live, which attracts attendances of up to half a million, to the wide array of specialist events, there’s no shortage of opportunities for the trade and its stakeholders 2 to meet and talk shop.

It’s showtime! 1 34 or the DfT and its agencies, share a stand at major shows. Andrew manager, comments, “We will have exhibiting at these shows is Wiles, DVO Communications Manager, our own separate stand at the big F a proven means of raising explains, “Representatives from our motor shows where visitors can buy profile and communicating key agencies meet regularly to decide a personalised registration or find out The show must go on… messages on products, services which events to attend and which about our auctions. People are often and campaigns. But as with any products and services to promote. unaware that the DVLA offers this Manning a stand involves long hours “One visitor to our stand in his mid marketing activity, success depends We’ve assembled a group of staff to service and we always get a lot of of unglamorous toil – but it does 50s confided in me that he had just Trade shows at which DfT and on careful preparation and a lot attend the shows and have developed interest. It’s hard work but it beats have its lighter moments. bought his first machine. His father agencies have exhibited include: of hard work. modular, hi-tech stand components being in the office.” Jay Fordham, press and publicity had previously forbidden him to have • London and Southampton The trade fair calendar for 2004 which can be reconfigured and reused.” officer for the Vehicle and Operator one, but had just passed away.” Boat Shows kicks off this January with the annual Explaining what agencies do is just Services Agency (VOSA), recalls a The 2002 British International Motor London Boat Show, at which the one benefit of exhibiting. Paul Cooke, press day at the Motorcycle and Show exposed Andrew Wiles to a new • Truckfest Maritime and Coastguard Agency will the Vehicle Certification Agency’s Scooter Show where the DVO group occupational hazard – repetitive • Coach and Bus Show be represented. Joanne Groenenberg, marketing and publications manager, showtune injury. “We used the joint had a shared presence. • Independent Living Exhibition the agency’s public relations officer, comments, “I think the forging of “Having turned away for a few DVO stand to promote the DVLA’s TV comments, “We’ve been planning for contacts between staff attending shows seconds to make sure we had enough advertising campaign on road tax • Sunday Times Motorshow this event for several months. As well is another great bi-product of the DVO press literature, I looked back to find enforcement which featured the theme • Live and Scottish Motor Show as preparing the stand, there are exhibition strategy.” music from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. that all of my male colleagues had • Autosports, Parts, Accessories numerous other logistical requirements Ann Frye, Head of the DfT’s The commercial was run continuously disappeared – lured to another stand and Equipment Show – not least getting our people from Mobility and Inclusion Unit, is equally by a scantily-clad female. Naturally, on our plasma screens and by the end • Royal Welsh Show around the coast to the show and enthusiastic. “Attending exhibitions can they all protested it was the machine of the show everyone was thoroughly finding them accommodation.” be a significant burden in terms of she was sitting on that really sick of the tune. It haunts me to • Motorcycle and Scooter Show The results are usually worth it, she time and staff resources but it’s an this day.” interested them.” • Defence Vehicle Dynamics Show says. “This is a good chance for us important part of our work. We get Sandra Stewart, PR and • Leisure and Alternative to meet the public and promote our good returns from being visible to communications manager at the various safety campaigns. The stand the public and industry and building Investment Show Driving Standards Agency, says the From left: 1. Early learning: children use is generally busy and we can get a their trust.” same show changed her view of the a touch screen at the Motor Show. 2. Standing • Goodwood Festival of Speed lot of information across.” For commercial teams such as the motorcycling fraternity. “The stereotype room only: one of the DVO’s recent Motor • Civils (civil engineering show) A joint exhibitions policy within the DVLA’s personalised registration marks I had of the typical biker was shattered Show stands. 3. Avoid the crush: what could happen if you don’t tax your car. 4. Old • Mobility Roadshow Driver, Vehicle and Operator (DVO) operation, the returns can be tangible. Dropping anchor: The annual London Boat – the show was full of middle-aged banger: the original Chitty Chitty Bang Bang on group means that agencies will often Damian Lawson, the DVLA’s auction Show comes to town men intent on living the dream. the DVO stand at the Motor Show.

10 l a2b l Jan/Feb 2004 Jan/Feb 2004 l a2b l 11 Take 3 Take 3

wreckage, found an aircraft part that of road users and the maintenance understand what happened. David King and his wife Pat live in has failed prematurely and on inspection workforce is no greater than when the Jennifer: Passing my qualifying exams Farnham, Surrey. They have two grown-up of another aircraft the same problem particular section of highway is not – which involved a year’s hard work sons. David has worked on air accident is identified at a less advanced stage. subjected to road works. This is our on station and at our training centre in investigations for more than Jennifer: Our main role is co-ordinating test of reasonableness. Dorset covering subjects like search 30 years. rescue operations in order to save lives. planning, chart and map work and What’s the most enjoyable part of Hopefully though, through educating coastguard procedures. Jennifer Taylor and partner John live your job? people about the sea, we also avert Chris: In the past our biggest challenge in Rowlands Castle, Hampshire. Before many accidents. We give advice on David: It’s immensely satisfying to has been to persuade the highway training as a coastguard Jennifer was tides and weather conditions via VHF take thousands of pieces of wreckage industry to address their responsibilities an accommodation manager for a well- from a crash site where the circumstances broadcasts and in response to calls from for health and safety, and in recent times known French travel firm. are confusing and, by identifying each the public – and we encourage all working in partnership, we have achieved part, playing the black box recorders Chris Glen joined the Highways Agency pleasure craft to pass on their passage significant progress in this area. and reviewing the operation, be able 10 years ago, having previously run plans to help us locate them should they On the trunk road network, we have to determine the cause and ways of a construction and property company. get into difficulties. We hold a national already gained much of the potential addressing it. I’m lucky to be working He lives in Primrose Hill, London and database of pleasure craft details – the improvement in road safety which can with a super team of experienced and works at HA’s regional office in CG66 scheme. be achieved by engineering measures. dedicated inspectors – pilots and Dorking, Surrey. Chris: Success for us tends to be Major safety improvements in the future David KingJennifer Taylor Chris Glen aeronautical engineers. measured by the absence of accidents. will need to come from changes in road Jennifer: The fact that every day is A current accident study in my specific user behaviour. Our earlier engineering different. Also being part of the team area of responsibility is showing a highly successes appear simple in comparison that’s saved a swimmer in difficulties, significant improvement in safety at road with this challenge! a walker cut off by the tide, the crew works on the trunk road network over of a boat drifting in heavy seas… The What’s been your funniest/most the last decade – with many less lives resources we work with range from embarrassing moment? Safe in their hands being lost, and less injuries sustained search and rescue helicopters, RNLI David: On a snow-covered mountain in We talk to three colleagues whose jobs involve different aspects of safety… today than in the early nineties. Good news like this does make a major all-weather and inshore lifeboats, Norway investigating a military accident contribution to raising morale and independent lifeboats and coast rescue I slipped and tobogganed downhill and guidance for traffic management and necessary for road safety are also What is your job? motivating the team teams to the police, harbour launches colliding with a senior RAF officer, David: I’m Deputy Chief Inspector at safety at road works. We advise agency appropriate to minimise congestion and other vessels that may be able collecting him in my lap. We finished in Air Accidents Investigation Branch colleagues on specific projects and liaise at road works. Without the clear How do you decide where the balance to assist. a heap covered in snow. It was a strange (AAIB) based on a 10-acre site at with the highways industry, acting as understanding that safety is the prime falls between safety and acceptable risk? Chris: Knowing that we can, and we are, way to meet someone for the first time! Farnborough, Hampshire – with offices, a catalyst for improvements in safety concern, the difficult decisions required David: That’s not our call – we investigate making a difference to the safety on our Jennifer: When you spend 12 hours laboratories and wreckage hangars. We standards. in this work become impossible. what was clearly an ‘unsafe’ event and roads, and that we are saving lives and together on a watch a sense of humour’s saving people from injury, even though imperative. What makes us laugh, cover all air accidents in the UK and How central is safety to your work? Is safety given too much importance recommend ways to avoid it happening those anywhere in the world with a again. Then it’s for the wider industry in most cases, the people who have though, wouldn’t mean much to David: It’s absolutely core. We investigate these days, or not enough? significant UK interest. I am one of the and the regulator (Civil Aviation benefited never know and cannot be an outsider! the cause of accidents specifically to David: From our perspective it can’t team on a 24/7 rota to receive first Authority) to consider our identified. As an engineer it’s particularly Chris: I can’t think of a specific work- prevent future accidents, not to apportion be given too much importance. It’s notification of an incident and determine recommendations and evaluate them satisfying to be called in for advice on related ‘faux pas’ – but invariably the blame. Health and safety is also a key a question of understanding risk and our response, sometimes deploying against financial and other criteria. specific projects, and to be able to events which cause me most issue for our inspectors who have to managing it. investigation teams to the scenes of Jennifer: Activities like jet-skiing, sailing resolve problems. embarrassment are the source of clamber about in tangled wreckage Jennifer: In our line of work safety major accidents and dealing with related and wind-surfing are inherently more great mirth back at the office! which may also contain toxic materials. can never be emphasised enough. What’s the biggest challenge media and police liaison issues. dangerous than taking a walk down the Jennifer: Safety is paramount in anything Chris: In general health and safety is you’ve faced? How do you relax? Jennifer: I’m a watch officer at the Solent road. With common sense and proper connected with the sea. We take part in not given sufficient importance or David: I took the first call about the David: I’m a pilot, I enjoy walking, Maritime Rescue Sub Centre. It’s the training a lot of the risk is eliminated. local education initiatives (like Child balance. Safety and risk need to be Lockerbie disaster and was a principal I’m restoring an old sports car and busiest of 19 UK centres. Our resources Where search and rescue operations are Safe), our sector managers and coast managed. Absolute safety does not exist. inspector at the crash site – an I play squash regularly. have responded to 1,385 incidents concerned, we won’t put one vessel at rescue volunteers regularly visit clubs, Both in public life and in our personal investigation on a scale few of us had Jennifer: I like reading, walking risk to assist another – but we’re dealing already this year, half involving small schools, marinas and so on to give talks lives there needs to be a reasonable ever envisaged, with repercussions and sailing. with highly trained teams and we trust craft. We cover 200 miles of coastline and we are happy to receive groups here balance of safety which will allow us to that still concern us today. A current Chris: I enjoy classical music. I like their judgement. (3,000 sq miles of sea) from Belle at the station. We’re currently introducing get on with our lives whilst eliminating challenge is coping with the increasing walking in the hills of Britain and Chris: Balancing safety and risk is the Tout west of Beachy Head to Chewton a digital information management system or minimising unnecessary risks. but legitimate demands of families remote parts of Europe. I’m also Bunney, including the Isle of Wight. which will enable stations to ‘pair up’ most difficult aspect of the job, and affected by an accident. We continue interested in graphology. Chris: I work within the Safety Strategy to assist each other and free staff for Are you able to point to a life saved or there is no easy solution or simple to develop a strategy to keep them and Management Group of the Highways accident prevention work. accidents averted through your efforts? equation to provide the answers. At informed at every stage. It’s a difficult Agency, leading a small team of specialist Chris: It’s the main focus. Fortunately David: In some cases that’s an emphatic road works our aim is to ensure that experience for our staff but it can also engineers developing technical policy the calm free-flowing traffic conditions ‘yes’ – where we have sifted through the overall risk to the health and safety be rewarding to help grieving relatives

12 l a2b l Jan/Feb 2004 Jan/Feb 2004 l a2b l 13 Sports and Social Competitions Bridge walkers raise cancer cash St Valentine’s wordsearch Despite the lure of England versus France in the WG T X E C B L E I E R February means St Valentine’s Day, but Rugby World Cup, there was a good DfT turnout for this February offers a double-whammy the Eleven London Bridges sponsored fun run/walk EZFRUWUHANSE on the romance front. 2004 is a leap year back in November. and by tradition, women can propose to This was the 17th time that the event has been held. RKDXQMDI IWNS men on 29 February! Starting at Tower Bridge, competitors criss-cross the Thames until they reach Albert Bridge, covering a total CHOCOLATESRT See if you can find the following words distance of around nine miles. Sponsors have pledged relating to St Valentine’s Day in the around £4,000 for Cancer Research UK. ACVSHRNEFECA wordsearch grid. All the competitors received certificates, and for the first CARDS KISS Gold star: Shane Snow (116) approaches the finish line at Richmond time, organiser Rose D’Costa presented special medals SUSWOET JWZBU to all who took part. CHOCOLATES MASSACRE The organisers thank Derek Farley, Jackie Gillingham, SPACLHKOWMBR Shane takes gold in cross CUDDLY TOY RESTAURANT Kevin McAnuff and Sainsbury’s Clapham for their AINAEILGOGRA country championships continued support. CUPID ST VALENTINE Top DfT athlete Shane Snow took first place in the MDV A S F C ARD SN FLOWERS SWEETHEART 2003 CSSC Cross Country Championships. Shane beat all comers to win the gold in a fine time of 33 minutes Southern golfers NTRSOCBAEJPT Send your completed wordsearch to the editor at the address on and 50 seconds – a full 36 seconds ahead of his page 2. The first correct entry out of the hat on 2 February wins STQYOTYLDDUC £25 in Thorntons vouchers. Hugs and kisses! nearest rival. plan to get a round Wordsearch winner Conditions for the event, held at Richmond Park last The winner of the November/December ‘festivals’ wordsearch was UEQPALACZOBD Lorraine Dungey of Vehicle Inspectorate office in Cornwall. Lorraine November, were ideal, but the demanding race was run The Transport Golf Society is inviting golfing colleagues wins £25 in Marks and Spencer vouchers over some very rugged terrain. Ninety-six athletes from around the country to a friendly challenge match. Name Address Telephone across Government took part in the men’s 10km race, Although the society’s members usually play in the and 40 competed in the ladies’ 7km event. The south east, they are prepared to travel and take on ✃ combined DfT/ODPM ladies’ and men’s team ran under teams of around four to eight golfers elsewhere in the SPARTA banner and was placed sixth overall. the country. 1 2 3 4 5 SPARTA men’s team: Shane Snow (1st – 33.50); “We already play DVLA colleagues in the Swansea 6 7 Crossword Peter Wootton, Government Office for the South East Cup, usually meeting them half way in the Bath area. This is an extension of that,” said Assistant Secretary, Across Down (36th – 39.32); Bob Holloway, ODPM (41st – 40.16); 8 9 6 Long garment, usually 14 Musical by Rodgers & 1 Province of South 12Decorated post set Vince Rossiter. black, worn by priests, Hammerstein, made into Africa (5) up for dancing round Kevin Griffiths, DVLA (50th – 41.41); Derek Paterson, monks and choir members a film in 1956 (8) 2 Region of India, well- in spring (7) The Transport Golf Society’s calendar of events for (7) 17 Formerly, coverings for known for its tea 13Card game also known DfT (55th – 42.14); Mike Jenvey, DVLA (74th – 46.25); 7 Man-made waterway (5) the ankle and upper production (5) as Black Jack (7) 2004 features venues such as Crowborough Beacon 10 11 8 Disease, often fatal, part of the shoe (5) 3 Hero of Homer’s Iliad, 15Aquatic semi-mammal and Bob Pullen, ODPM (83rd – 48.59). transmitted by a mosquito 18 Shellfish which should only whose vulnerable spot found in rivers and in Sussex and Verulam Golf Club in Hertfordshire. 12 13 bite (7) be eaten when there is an was his heel (8) banks in most parts SPARTA ladies’ team: Julia Gristwood, ODPM (23rd 9 The shadow cast by the ‘R’ in the month (7) 4 Deep red dye (7) of the world (5) To organise a challenge match or to find out more, 14 moon on the earth during 19 Computer language, 5 Group of Danish islands 16Thin clear soup made – 35.04); Wendy Lacey, DVLA (27th – 35.54); Teresa a solar eclipse (5) formerly used for scientific in the North Atlantic (7) from meat stock (5) 10 Aromatic shrub with grey, problem solving (5) 11Horse-riding maiden of contact the secretary, Tracey Love, on GTN 3533 3934. 15 16 Donohue, ODPM (32nd – 38.31); Julie Pulling (37th green leaves and 20 Tropical tree whose Teutonic mythology (8) purple flowers (8) berries are a source of – 45.03); Hannah Thomas (38th – 45.05). 17 18 allspice (7)

A £10 Marks and Spencer voucher will be awarded to the first correct entry out of the bag after 2 February. Send your entry, marked ‘Crossword’, to the editor at the a2b editorial office (see page 2 for the address) and Hockey men wanted for national team 19 20 include your name, telephone number and address. Last month’s answers: Across: 6, Accrua l7, Tenet 8, Braille 9, Spite 10, Pakistan 14, Mandarin 17, Edict The joint DfT/ODPM Men’s Hockey Team is on the 18, Farrier 19, Agate 20, Volcano Down: 1, Score 2, Druid 3, Calliper 4, Tempest 5, Gentian 11, Kangaroo 12, Bandage 13, Educate 15, Truce 16, Henna. lookout for players to join the Department’s squad for © Brainwarp the 2004 Civil Service National Hockey Championships. If you are a regular hockey player and work for either Name Address Telephone DfT or the agencies and you would like to play for the Crossword winner Department, call Darren Cooper on 020 7944 2529, Tyrrells, not Tiger: the winning Captain’s team at Tyrrells Wood The winner of the November/December crossword competition was Chris Andrews of DVLA Sidcup Local Office. or e-mail [email protected] Golf Club near Leatherhead last summer Chris wins a £10 Marks and Spencer voucher.

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