Wirral 60

WIRRAL’S major port has come under fire from the National Audit Office (NAO) for not allowing vehicle inspectors to operate there.

The report released today into the work of the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) highlights 12 Quays in Birkenhead as one of those which does not allow the agency’s inspectors on site.

Bosses of 12 Quays refused to comment, but released the section of the NAO report which says “the operator of 12 Quays ferry terminal told us it had barred the agency from its premises because examiners’ activities inside the port put it at a commercial disadvantage and for health and safety reasons due to the lack of on-site space”.

The VOSA has no rights of access to British ports and depends on the goodwill of port authorities to permit examiners to be present on their private premises, and has agreed to give proportionate attention to each port based on the volume of traffic.

The NAO report said: “In response, the agency operates a check site five miles from the port.

“More generally, the agency is exploring the option of locating roadside checks on major roads which lead to ports rather than within ports themselves.”