DVSA staff issued with bodycams to beat aggression

Chris Tindall
September 8, 2020

A significant rise in the number of assaults on enforcement staff has prompted the DVSA to issue body worn cameras to frontline staff.

The bodycams are small devices slightly larger than a credit card which are usually worn on the chest, and record video and audio.

The DVSA said the cameras are being rolled out to all areas in the coming months following a training programme for staff on how to use the devices.

The cameras will be worn during roadside checks and may also be worn for operator and MOT garage site visits.

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

The DVSA said there were 35 assault incidents on enforcement staff in 2019/20, which is a 25% increase on the previous year.

Marian Kitson, DVSA director of enforcement, 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.”

Last year, traffic commissioner Nick Denton disqualified Croydon operator Jacek Pawalczyk for two years after a public inquiry heard how his aggressive manner had left a DVSA vehicle examiner “scared for his life” (CM 17 April 2019).

About the Author

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Chris Tindall

Chris Tindall started writing for the haulage and logistics industry in 2002 and has covered a broad range of significant issues, including GPS jamming by criminals, platooning and Brexit.

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