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Leasing boss slams private test plans
Page 6
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Vehicle manufacturers may want to take over Vosa's testing role but one leasing firm is not impressed. Dominic Perry reports.
TI iE BOSS OF leasing firm Prohire has launched a stinging attack on the standard of repairs by truck dealers, describing them as "absolutely horrendous-.
And David Barlowchairman of the Stoke-on-Trent-based leasing firm, says unless standards improve vehicle manufacturers should not be allowed to get involved in annual tests.
The idea of privatising Vosa's testing function was recently raised by Ian Jones, MercedesBenz UK's MD of commercial vehicles (C11423 March).
However. Barlow says while he understands the principle behind Jones's statements, the current level of service provided by all the manufacturers does not inspire confidence in the plan.
He adds:"The standard of work you get out of their workshops is poor and can even be unsafe.They can sign vehicles off when they are not roadworthy.
"We have most problems with manufacturers—you would expect them to be more switched on. There will obviously be mistakes from time to time but if it's a regular occurrence there's clearly something wrong."
He says that one Leading manufacturer even admitted to him that the quality of service offered by its dealers was a "postcode lottery".
Barlow says: -If they can't regulate their own workshops then how can they offer MoT testing?"
Barlow proposes tighter controls on workshops, suggesting a penalty system along the lines of the driving licence where if a firm reaches a certain number of points it can no longer maintain vehicles.
He says Vosa and the Traffic Commissioners are already well aware of the shortcomings of dealers.
Jones defends the dealers, adding: "The government should be able to control truck test stations to ensure they are carried out appropriately."
The TCs have refused to he drawn into the debate. A statement reads: This is a matter for Government. Should the government wish to consider this, the TCs would endeavour to provide any information or observations during the consultation process which might assist ministers in reaching their decision."