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Smaller operators 'likely to be marginalised' by ATFs
Page 8
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By Julian Milne:5 THE MOVE TO privately run Authorised Test Facilities (ATFs) from VOSA testing stations will limit the areas where operators can have their trucks tested and marginalise small operators, argue leading fleet engineers.
Dave Rowland, Wincanton technical services director, says: "We've got 60 workshops, so we have an interest in ATFs, and we're trying to work with VOSA. The issue we have is that there's no real contract at the moment, so there's no ability to negotiate on a one-to-one basis."
He adds: don't want to lose the ability to book my truck in for a test anywhere in the country where we haven't got a workshop."
Steve Davis, TNT national engineering manager, agrees that the switch will bring potential complications.
He says: -While we're keen to have an ATF at our hub in Atherstone,Warwicks, because we currently test seven trucks a day, I'm not sure it will mean good news for smaller operators
"I can't see dealerships getting a sustainable amount of traffic through to justify the cost of the modifications required [to become an ATF], and that's before you consider the roof height to accommodate double-deck trailers."
Davis adds he can see all the major operators taking the option to become an ATF, but worries test stations will close in isolated areas.
"While you might see a concentrated area of in-house ATFs from all the major delivery companies, this might lead to a lack of a geographical spread of sites," he says.
VOSA has previously stated it anticipated the first ATF contract signings towards the end of October. Last week, a spokeswoman confirmed it is examining its ATF fee structure, saying: "ATFs will be able to cover the cost of running the testing lane by charging a pit fee."