Your shout08 August 2011

With the benefit of hindsight, was the level of resistance to VOSA's ATFs (Authorised Testing Facilities), prior to their implementation, warranted? Or did the furore highlight an entirely understandable general fear of change?

On the run up to the first sites opening last year, a lot was spoken and written about the scheme, which, although central to the agency's Testing Transformation Programme, was seen by many as an abdication of duty and further loading costs and inconvenience onto operators. ATFs, said the pundits, were inadequately thought through and a waste of money.

Most with an opinion focused on the negative aspects of ATFs. Often cited were: the closure of existing testing centres that, despite complaints at the time, had invariably suited local hauliers very well; the new procedures necessitated for technicians and managers; and, of course, the longer journey times for some operators needing to get vehicles tested.

VOSA chief executive Alistair Peoples, however saw things very differently. "I really do believe we are at the start of something new," he stated at the launch of the ATF contract at VOSA's Bristol HQ, in February. "I know many people thought this would never happen," he added, fully aware of the scale of criticism from an understandably jaundiced industry.

Fast forward 18 months, and the 100th ATF has opened its doors, at Bullwell Trailer Solutions in Lichfield, Staffordshire. Bullwell's is the latest in a long line of major industry names to sign up to the ATF programme, and VOSA is confident that the list will continue to grow.

Hardstaff, Truckeast, Pullman Fleet Services, DAF, Don-Bur and Thomas Hardie Commercials are among several all operating ATFs, and the feedback to date has been almost entirely positive. Protagonists speak highly, for example, of the benefits of all work – R&M, preparation and testing – being done under one roof.

Moving to move to ATF status clearly needs careful consideration, but workshops that have made the move say it pays.

As Gary Bulley, managing director at Bullwell Trailer Solutions, explains: "Since establishing our business in 2007, our entire philosophy has been based on ensuring that the HGV trailers we maintain under contract undergo minimal movement. ATF's create the most practical and economical solution for trailer repairs, maintenance and now testing. [They] reduce our carbon footprint and that of our customers."

Maybe this particular change hasn't been such a bad thing after all...

Author
IRTE

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Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)

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