Privatise ATFs, says NFDA
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THE NATIONAL Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) has expressed its disappointment that the Department for Transport (DIT) has no plans to completely privatise authorised testing facilities (ATFs).
Sue Robinson, director of the trade body, which represents CV and franchised car retailers in the UK, said the NFDA has lobbied the government for complete privatisation of ATFs.
This would allow the facilities to employ their own staff instead of Vosa staff resulting in greater flexibility and allowing them to meet customer demand. However, the government
revealed that it isn't convinced by the argument for testing staff to be employed directly by ATF operators (CM14 November). Robinson said: "The NFDA believes that the future of privately run ATFs is dependent on the LGV testers being employees of the ATE
"This would allow them to create a dealer facility that is a one-stop-shop and can also offer 24/7 service to fleet operators.
"Future demand has been ignored as the introduction of EU whole vehicle type approval starts next year, when most new trucks will need to be tested before being registered."