Test stations: sale plans
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THE LONG AWAITED Government plans to sell the 91 heavy goods vehicle test stations to the private sector are included in the Transport Bill.
It proposes that a Government-owned company be established under the 1948 Companies Act to serve as a holding body for the existing stations, and that these be sold subsequently to any company or companies which are approved by the Transport Secretary.
Inspectors employed by the private sector companies will also have to be authorised by the Department of Transport.
The Bill also seeks powers to transfer such functions as plating of vehicles, or prohibiting dangerously defective vehicles.
As promised immediately before Christmas, Transport Secretary David Howell has included a clause in the Bill which demands his consultation with industry representatives before making any alteration to the existing structure.
This will give the industry a say in the appointment of test station operators, the terms on which they take over a station, the conditions which they must follow, the designation of premises for testing, and the fees to be charged for testing and surveillance.