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Congestion clears at testing stations
Page 6
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['HERE has been a rapid easing in delays at heavy goods vehicle esting stations, .but the Department of Transport has assured he Road Haulage Association that it is keeping things under • eview.
Members of RHA's technical ;ommittee met DTp officials ast week, in the wake of a ong series of backlogs which lave followed staff shortages Lnd industrial disputes at tesing stations.
DTp says that it is conscious if the problem, and the effects vhich it has on the industry, out the mammoth backlog of ast August has eased greatly. t will keep a close eye on rends, and will review its trategy later this month.
In the meantime, it has ejected RHA's appeal for welve-month exemption cerificates to be issued where lelays occur through staff hortages. It fears that this ould lead to vehicles being on he road for two years without check, and the EEC requires nnual tests.
But it is continuing to issue .xemptions where industrial ction affects a station's proxamme. In these cases, it says hat vehicles have been preered for examination, and the est has been cancelled at very hort notice. RHA will also remain vigilant. It is briefing its area offices to report any new delays when they do occur, and it will discuss these with DTp. consider the Government's interest (CM, December 15, 1979) in selling some of the stations to private enterprise.
While some RHA members have expressed their concern about stations losing their impartiality under private ownership, the Association is waiting to see what concrete proposals are drawn up before making any detailed comment.