VOSA reveals next test station closure locations15 November 2010

Plans for the next phase of VOSA's move towards ATFs (authorised testing facilities) have been announced, and they include fewer public test sites.

The agency has revealed that centres in Birmingham and Mitcham will be closed by July 2011, a decision taken after the first set of reviews into potential markets for ATFs revealed there to be sufficient market interest to meet the demand.

However, a VOSA spokesperson could not guarantee that replacement ATFs would be operational by next year's deadline, merely stating that she was "hopeful" that any new testing facilities would be established by then.

Explaining the decision to close the two sites, VOSA chief executive Alistair Peoples said: "We want to provide an efficient, modern service that delivers convenient, high quality testing. More tests than ever are now being carried out by VOSA staff at privately-owned sites, reducing the amount of time and money operators need to spend travelling to test stations."

And he added: "We have listened to the industry, and will only close existing stations where we know there is a strong market for ATFs. These closures are part of an ongoing programme to transform VOSA's testing operations, and we will continue to involve staff and trade unions in these changes."

However, the FTA (Freight Transport Association) has responded with reservation to VOSA's plans, stating that the closures could leave commercial vehicle operators with a "major problem in the absence of alternative, fit-for-purpose testing facilities".

"VOSA must ensure that capacity will remain in the local market and that those test stations available to operators can absorb the wide range of vehicles and trailers currently tested on these, soon to be ex-VOSA test centres," comments James Firth, FTA's head of road freight policy.

"Haulage is a 24/7 business and alternative testing facilities must offer as good, if not better, flexibility of service than currently available," he warns.

Author
John Challen

Related Companies
Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)

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