No U-turns likely cm private testin
Page 7
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
-RANSPORT MINISTER Norman Fowler still looks set to sell heavy pods vehicles test stations to the private sector, despite a gatherrig swell swell of opposition to the plan.
Speaking to the Motor Agents' kssociation last week, he said hat private enterprise test staions would give operators a beter service, and asked: "How nuch has it cost an operator to lave a vehicle off the road beause he could not get it booked n at a testing stations?"
He said he expected private ownership test stations to be open for longer hours, and at veekends.
But the Government line was 'necked in the House of Lords vhen Labour transport ;pokesman Lord Underhill said that the existing system was efficient, whereas privatisation proposals have met with overwhelming opposition from operators, He instanced the Road Haulage Association, Freight Transport Association, the Institute of Traffic Administration, and noted also that the Confederation of British Industry had also expressed concern.
But Government spokesman Lord Avon would only admit that there were some who do not like all of the new test station package but added that consultations are still taking place, and he would not like to prejudge the issue.
He said the Government sees no reason why the public sector should carry out functions which can be performed equally well by the private sector.
And he disagreed with Lord Underhill's claim that standards will fall, or that the integrity of testers, or anything else, would be different. In fact, according to Lord Avon, the proposal to transfer commercial vehicle testing to the private sector will result in a more efficient and more sensible service. Meanwhile, the Institute of Road Transport Engineers has added its voice to the protests, saying that its 12,000 members fear that safety parameters might be relaxed, and that there will be a rapid decline in the safety and efficiency of commercial vehicles.
It endorses the FTA's view that the private stations would not be impartial, and says that privately controlled testing of cars and light vans leaves much to be desired. It feels that the thorough annual tests on heavy commercials would be more difficult to discipline.