VOSA urged not to de-regulate ATC fees
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chrisaindattrarbi.co.uk THE FREIGHT Transport Association (RA) has urged VOSA not to de-regulate the fees charged by Approved Tachograph Centres (ATCs) because it cannot guarantee hauliers will not be hit with excessive costs.
A consultation on the plan to change the way fees are levied by ATCs. which install, calibrate and repair tachographs. set out three options VOSA's preferred choice is deregulation, in order to align the UK with other EU member states and removing the need for future government intervention.
But the FTA says the only fair option is to introduce a cap so that members are protected from excessive fees.
James Firth, FIA policy manager. says: "Generally we would be happy with a de
regulated environment where we were sure there was going to be a competitive market. But plenty of our members are based in remote areas and we don't believe you can ensure that."
Firth says it has also questioned the times and costs VOSA has relied on in order to provide an average national commercial fee of £55.04. plus VAT, for operator, under the 'capping option'. But he says VOSA insists its figures are correct.
Although the consultation ended in February and there has been no announcement of how VOSA intends to take the matter forward, a VOSA spokesman tells CM there has been no delay.
He adds: "Ministers will consider the way forward on the consultation, alongside the wide range of other policies that are due for consideration, over the forthcoming months."