HGV tests get positive reaction

@font-face { font-family: “Times New Roman”; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }table.MsoNormalTable { font-size: 10pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }A MOVE from VOSA to open up testing facilities to the private sector, allowing private business to operate Authorised Testing Facilities (ATFs), received a positive reaction from the RMI’s franchised truck deal

/>This statement from testing agency, along with plans to close two of its own sites before replacement ATF’s are open, is a commitment that VOSA mean business and that the future direction is private sector facilities. When finalised, it will mean operators should be more efficient, as trucks can be tested nearer to where the repair and maintenance is carried

/>In 2010 the uptake to build and open new ATF’s has been slow, with only seven being operative so far. However, many ‘designated premises’ – or in simple terms, MoT centres that have not previously been issuing certificates to heavy trucks, have now been upgraded to become ATF’s. Although investment costs, the recession and reduced confidence in the market potential, has slowed interest, many Truck dealers have held back due to uncertainty over the new coalition Government’s direction, which has now been firmly clarif

/>In a news release, the RMI stated that: “The long term view of the RMI’s Truck division is that all HGV testing should be carried out in the private sector, allowing the technicians who maintain the vehicles to test them, as is the case with vehicles under 3.5t.&#8