Speedy sell-off for VI
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by Karen Miles
• The Vehicle Inspectorate's 91 commercial vehicle testing stations look set for a quick sale as it emerges the Government is preparing to announce legislation within three months.
Management consultant Price Waterhouse this week begin work on the options for privatisation with the aim of presenting its findings within three months to the Department of Transport.
The Government is then expected to announce legislation for the sell-off in November's Queen Speech.
The political will for a speedy Parliamentary passage for the privatisation of the test stations has surprised VI staff.
They had watched the Government drag its feet for months after announcing last year that it would go out to consultation over the issue.
In May Transport Secretary John MacGregor announced he wanted to privatise HGV testing.
The consultant is welcoming comment from all interested parties.
Representatives of potential bidders, including the truck dealer section of the Retail Motor Industry Federation, say they cannot imagine who will want to buy the stations with the present caveat that the new owners will be unable to carry out repairs.
VI trades unions, which meet Price Waterhouse this week, will attempt to stymie the sale, citing road safety fears. The meeting follows a day of action last weel4 which included a picket line at thc inspectorate's Bristol headquarters.
A protest held at Ammanford testing station in Dyfed, included participation from local Welsh hauliers, according to the unions.
A review to simplify the annual MoT test for cars, light vans and motorbikes is to be carried out by the DOT