Anger at Vosa ATF clampdown VOSA HAS defended plans to
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clamp down on ATF operators that do not meet minimum levels of examiner utilisation or who cancel testing arrangements at short notice.
Last week, Vosa said it would reduce the number of testing sessions it provided cover for at ATFs that did not meet expected levels of examiner utilisation, or cancelled testing periods with less than seven days' notice. The reductions in both cases will be equivalent to the shortfalls created, it has since confirmed.
It also promised to cancel a month's testing at ATFs that had insufficient funds in their account more than twice in any month to satisfy draw-downs by Vosa, and said it would consider terminating ATF contracts completely in more severe cases.
The agency claimed the measures would help it provide a consistent and fair service to all.
But Stephen Smith, MD of Boleyn Transport and president of the ATF Operators Association, slammed the move as seriously hard-hitting, adding that it was unclear whether the ATF contract allowed for such action. Smith is taking legal advice and told CM that whatever the outcome, he felt Vosa's move was "against the spirit of the document and at the other end of the spectrum in how it needs to be treating its partners".
Vosa, however, insisted there is nothing wrong with it. "The existing contract makes provision for these measures and there is a reasonable expectation that ATFs will abide by the fair usage policy," an agency spokeswoman told CM.
"ATF operators need to be aware of the measures contained in the contract they have signed, if vehicle operators — and the industry as a whole — are to receive the best service possible.
"All Vosa is seeking to do is ensure that all ATFs act reasonably and manage their ATFs accordingly," she said. "We're trying to be fair to all ATFs, and none of these measures will be used lightly."
Smith said he hopes to hear back from his lawyer by the end of the week.