Less downtime for hauliers
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Authorised Testing Facilities will improve efficiency
AS THE HAULAGE industry knows only too well, it's easy to take its achievements for granted. People expect to find what they want on the supermarket shelves at any hour of the day, without giving any thought to the huge logistical effort necessary to meet their demands.
As someone who has driven HGVs, I can appreciate more than many the challenges that road haulage businesses and drivers are up against. Not only do British hauliers service the just-in-time economy with great efficiency, they do it with an excellent safety record, My aim is simple: to ensure we continue to have the safest roads in the world, and a successful haulage industry too. I want to reduce burdens on the industry where I can. to allow it to flourish, without lowering safety standards.
One burden-reducing initiative I'm particularly keen on is VOSA's drive to develop Authorised Testing Facilities (ATFs). I want to move away from the traditional system, where vehicles must travel to an often distant VOSA testing station. Under the ATF model, tests can take place nearer the operator at the same time as planned maintenance, saving both vehicle downtime and money. This also means lower CO2 emissions, and less wear and tear on our roads. And by reducing the size of its test ing estate, VOSA will cut its operating costs and capital investment — something that has direct impact on the test fee.
I know that some industry associations have expressed reservations, fearing the new system will prove too complex. But I believe that ATFs will bring huge improvements to the testing system. A total of 22 HGVs and PSV ATFs are now successfully up and running, in addition to 252 Designated Premises. VOSA has now serviced 1,800 testing sessions at ATFs with no hiccup in providing testers at the right time and place. Already, more than 30% of testing is taking place at private sector premises.
I have asked VOSA to accelerate the move to ATFs: they are good for operators and taxpayers, for roads and road users, for our economy and our environment. ATFs, not state-run testing stations, are the future. •