VOSA's ATF test-site target includes Designated Premises
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VOSA'S TARGET of opening 40 Authorised Testing Facilities (ATFs) by March next year is looking far less ambitious than the industry initially thought, after it admitted the figure also includes Designated Premises (DPs).
VOSA also confirms that bus maintenance firms wishing to sign the ATF contract would also be included in the target.
The Secretary of State set the target in VOSA's latest business plan, in which it states that "40 new operational non-VOSA sites" must he opened by 31 March 2011.
However, when the figure was queried by CM. a VOSA spokesman explains: "'lb clarify. the 40 target refers to non-VOSA sites including DPs and ATFs, but does not include DP to ATE* conversions. From 27 January (the date of the contract launch). VOSA stopped accepting any DP applications, so any new applications will be for ATFs. However, VOSA will he honouring all DP applications submitted before the 27 January."
When asked how many DPs this refers to. VOSA says it would be "inappropriate to pin down specific numbers" while it is dealing with applications.
VOSA also confirms that it has had discussions with one potential customer that thinks it can open 12 ATF sites by the end of April. The spokeswoman adds: "Some DPs and ATFs have had to push back their opening date for a variety of reasons, such as construction or financial approval."
The admission about DPs has come as a surprise to the Freight Transport Association (ETA), which says it was unaware of this detail. Andy Mair, VIA head of engineering policy, says: "This 40 figure the government has given; it would appear that maybe industry is getting the wrong impression. I was aware that the DP system was still going to be operational for some considerable time post contract. There's no firm cut-off point when everything will be."