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• Privatisation of HGV testing could lead to "considerable savings"
Page 6
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to the road transport industry and higher standards of training, according to the Road Haulage Association.
In its reply to the latest Department of Transport consultation document on driver testing, the RHA says that while the framework of policy and regulation should be maintained by the DTp, the administration of a system of inspection and regulation should be delegated to the Road Transport Industry Training Board.
The association says that many of the Group Training Associations and company centres currently carrying out HGV driver training could be used for training and testing as part of the same operation, and for testing only: "The utilisation of the GTA and company centres would bring considerable financial savings to the industry, through reduced travelling time and less vehicle mileage."
Despite opposition to the Dip's proposals from the FTA, the RHA states that "testing by examiners employed by GTAs or Company Centres would achieve greater productivity, because of the greater flexibility and capacity for innovation in the private sector."
It adds that standards would also be raised, and the pass rate improved by requiring a prescribed course of training prior to the test.
"Closing existing test centres and administration offices would save public money. Expansion of the private sector would create opportunities for the employment of displaced Dip examiners and other staff."