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VOSA affirms no closure' plan after CM information request
Page 7
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VOSA HAS CONFIRMED that it will not close any more test stations until further information is available on how the Authorised Testing Facility (ATF) market has developed.
According to data obtained by CM and sister title Motor Transport as part of the Stop the VOSA Closures campaign under the Freedom of Information (Fol) Act, VOSA says that a "decision has not yet been made about the size and location of the future of the VOSA estate': The Eel request also confirms statements made by VOSA chief executive Alastair Peoples last week that no further station closures are planned after the scheduled closure of Steeton in West Yorkshire on 31 March, until VOSA has more information on the ATF take-up.
VOSA believes the closure of Steeton will save it approximately £61,000 in annual running costs.
Furthermore, VOSA's analysis of the impact of the closure says it
will not affect it meeting the 30760190 rule (providing testing facilities in 30 miles or 60 minutes of 90% of operators) since the increased distance for the average Steeton customer is estimated to be around 22 miles or 31 minutes.
As to the closure of Llandrindod Wells last month, the FoI request refused to disclose how much Tesco had paid VOSA for the land on which the site was situated. It did reveal that its closure would cost its customer base £75,000 a year in travel costs to alternative testing sites (at £2.20 per mile).
• Andy Powell. managing director of Hereford Vehicle Testing Station, has told CM he is not willing to become an ATF for 'what is an uncertain [economic! outcome': For more reasons over his refusal, see letters on page 18.