On-site HGV tests are on the cards
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• The Vehicle Inspectorate wants to introduce HGV testing at approved operators' sites, with tests conducted by VI examiners.
Hauliers would have to bring their equipment up to a required standard at their own expense. The additional sites would also be open to other operators in the area.
The VI will not be approaching operators itself, but expects to be talking to firms who already carry out thier own maintenance.
A supplementary fee would be charged for outside testing: the VI says it is too early to say how much it would cost. The move would require new legislation, which currently only recognises VI premises as HGV testing centres. The plans will be discussed with trade representatives, including the Road Haulage Association and the Freight Transport Association at routine meetings next month. Draft conditions of appointments are available from the VI's Bristol offices, and the VI says it is keen to hear what the industry thinks about the proposals. Hugh Edwards, the VI's director of customer liaison and business development expects the plans to be attractive to operators who have to make a long journey to one of the VI's 91 testing stations.