BODYCAMS ‘MAY BE WORN’ BY DVSA MOT INSPECTORS

DVSA is investing in body worn cameras for all frontline enforcement staff to reduce physical and verbal assaults.

Body cameras to be worn by DVSA inspectors

The move brings the executive agency in line with many other enforcement bodies such as the police who have been using ‘bodycams’ for a number of years in their frontline work.

The agency says that cameras ‘will be worn’ during roadside checks and ‘may be worn’ for operator and MOT garage site visits. The devices have been deemed to be mandatory equipment for the roadside as there were 35 assault incidents on enforcement staff in 2019/20, which is a 25% increase on the previous year.

READ: DVSA BOSS: WHAT WE’VE LEARNT FROM MOT CHANGES

Cameras are being rolled out to all areas in the coming months, following a number of successful trials and following a training programme for staff on how to use the devices.

DVSA Director of Enforcement Marian Kitson said: “DVSA’s priority is to protect everyone from unsafe drivers and vehicles.

“Whilst the majority of drivers are courteous to our roadside enforcement staff, they need to be able to protect the public without fear of violence.

“We take a zero-tolerance approach to physical and verbal assaults and the bodycams will act as a deterrent.

“They will also enable us to manage, support and respond to any assaults that takes place.”