VOSA picks Latest test station dosure sites
Page 6
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
CM COVER STORY
(aura. ha ilst on efarbi.co.0 k DESPITE REVEALING plans to close two more test stations last week, VOSA promises there are Authorised Testing Facilities (ATFs) in the pipeline to replace them.
The stations earmarked for closure by July 2011 are Mitcham. Surrey and Garretts Green, Birmingham.
According to VOSA's head of iesting transformation, Richard Smith. the agency's market validation research over the past few months has revealed strong potential for ATFs in both locations.
"This time we've assessed the likely market in the areas, so we are confident that there will be alternative provision for operators. We're also giving a much longer notice period so there is time for operators to assess where they want to go for their tests," says Smith.
Ashley Neaves, sales and operations manager at Norman Road Haulage in Mitcham. runs 25 vehicles and says the closure of Mitch
am will result in an hour-long journey to VOSA's Guildford site unless alternatives open nearby.
James Firth, head of road freight policy at the Freight Transport Association (VIA), adds: Our members support the principle of bringing testing closer to the point of vehicle maintenance, but have requested that no stations are closed until sufficient ATF capacity is online or, at the very least, ATF contracts signed."
The VOSA Trade Union Side (TUS), representing VOSA staff, says the latest closures reinforce its fear that VOSA is moving towards full estate disposal "irrespective of whether there is the ATF market capacity there to service the industry".
However, Smith says the two latest closures are part of the strategy of taking testing to the customer: -Ultimately, it will result in lower costs for industry and it will avoid what would have to be very large increases in fees if VOSA had to refurbish its estate.
"1 don't think there's a disagreement in terms of the broad strategy: the concern seems to be how we get there," Meanwhile, VOSA has completed market validation work in three other regions, revealing that there is currently no appetite for ATFs around its Taunton, Somerset test station. "This will remain open for the forseeable future, but will be reviewed again in 12 months," says Smith.
"Our Ipswich, Suffolk and Bishopbriggs, Glasgow stations have also been briefed that while there looks like a strong market for ATFs in both regions, it is not as strong as Mitcham and Gan-etts Green, so it needs a bit longer for the pipeline to develop."