VOSA to shut down testing stations

VOSA has recently announced its decision of shutting down its testing stations to make way for privately operated Authorised Testing Facilities or ATFs. According to Parliamentary under secretary, Paul Clark, privatisation will not take place unless the operators do not witness any positive changes in the overall system.

The MPs have unanimously asked for a clarification from the minister concerning the Government’s response to a report pertaining to VOSA’s enforcement activities. MPs have described the report as vague with inadequately addressed points. One of the most important points includes the decision related to the inflation-busting fee increases for HGV / LGV operators.

Clark feels that VOSA will be on a firm financial footing and the company will be out of deficit within seven years. The formulated plans hope to balance the increase in fees along with the Testing and Transformation programme. The shift to a private sector, Authorised Testing Facilities, will ease the pressure on testing fees. Clark also said that it will retain some of the current VOSA test sites. These test sites will then act as a safety net to encompass the areas which are otherwise avoided by the commercial operators.

Jack Semple, Head of Policy at the Road Haulage Association, said that was delighted with this commitment, but is uncertain as to how this new move will aid the HGV / LGV operators.