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ATF viability in doubt after pilot scheme
Page 7
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By Joanna Bourke THE VIABILITY of Authorised Testing Facilities (ATFs) remains uncertain, after mixed feedback from operators after a three-month pilot of the scheme.
Of eight Designated Premises (DPs) testing VOSA's ATF programme between July and September, just two have confirmed they are willing to convert to ATFs permanently.
Tim Bolton, director of Skelmersale-based RNB Commercials, tells CM that he won't become an ATF.
He says: -We encountered a few stumbling points during the pilot. As a DP, we allow clients to pay on the day, hut VOSA wants customers to pay seven days in advance, which not all our clients are happy about. I have seen less volume going through over the past three months."
South Liverpool Commercials, which has been acting as an ATF for one day a week, says that it is not convinced of the benefits, and is unlikely to convert to acting as an ATF on a full-time basis.
MAN Truck & Bus is also uncertain on the future of ATF's following a trial in Manchester.
"We've been happy with our experience during the trial period," says John Davies, head of service for MAN Truck & Bus UK, "but [we] cannot make a decision until we know the full shape of the ATF contract." However, Keltruck and TruckEast have both confirmed they expect to roll out as ATFs at some of their sites after positive experiences and a guarantee that VOSA staff will turn up.
Keltruck managing director Andrew Jamieson says an ATF trial at a site in Burton-onTrent has proved successful. He adds: "Vehicles will have annual tests where they are maintained [resulting in] not driving to and from the test station, which is an hour away at Garrets Green, Birmingham."
• We want to hear from you if you have any questions about VOSA's ATF policy. Email: christopher. waltotaPrblco.uk