LGV first-time pass rate is on the rise, says Vosa
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By David Wilcox
FIRST-TIME PASS rates for trucks at their annual roadworthiness test has improved for the sixth consecutive year, taking test performance to yet another all-time high.
According to Vosa's annual Effectiveness Report, published last week, the pass rate for trucks tested in the 12 months to 31 March 2013 rose to 77.6%. This is over two percentage points above the previous year's figure of 75.3%. The pass rate for trailers also reached a new all-time high in 2012/13, rising for the 11th successive year to reach 84.3%, up from 82.7% in 2011/12.
Vosa said the results were a vindication of its strategy of switching the bulk of testing into privately run authorised testing facilities (ATFs) and designated premises (DPs);Vosa had forecast that bringing testing closer to maintenance workshops would boost pass rates. The increase in ATF sites — there are more than 350 — means that 2012/13 was the first year in
which more tests were conducted at privately run sites than at a Vosa test stations. More than 51% of truck tests and 61% of trailer tests were held at an ATF or DP. In both instances, the pass rates in these privately run premises were slightly better than at Vosa's stations.
"The findings in this report support what I have always believed, that collaboration between Vosa and the transport sector can lead the way to safer roads for UK motorists," said Vosa chief executive Alastair Peoples.
During the year covered by the report, the number of Vosa test stations was cut from 83 to 66 and a further nine are scheduled to cease testing by the end of next March.
Headlamp aim and other lamp problems, followed by brake issues, continue to account for the majority of truck test failures.
Poor brake performance, of both service and park brakes, dominate the list of trailer test failure reasons.
• There will be an analysis of Vosa's latest Effectiveness Report in CM 31 October.