Mixed bag of results for VOSA ATF pilot

The viability of Authorised Testing Facilities (ATFs) remains uncertain following mixed feedback from a three-month pilot of the scheme. Of a total existing eight DPs trialling VOSA's ATF programme between July and September, just two have confirmed they are willing to convert permanently to ATFs.

Keltruck and Truckeast both confirm they expect to roll out as ATFs at some of their sites following positive experiences and a guarantee that VOSA staff will turn up.

Keltruck managing director Andrew Jamieson says an ATF trial at the Burton-on-Trent site has proved successful: "Vehicles will have MOTs where they are maintained and hence less driving to and from the test station which is an hour away at Garrets Green, Birmingham."

He will extend the trial until December and hopes to open six ATFs in the new-year.

However director of Skelmersale-based RNB Commercials, Tim Bolton tells CM he won't become an ATF: "We encountered a few stumbling points during the pilot. As a DP we allow clients to pay on the day but VOSA wants customers to pay seven days in advance which not all our customers are happy about. I have actually seen less volume going through over the last three months."

South Liverpool Commercials which has been acting as an ATF for one day a week says it is unconvinced of the benefits and is unlikely to convert to acting as an ATF full-time.

MAN Truck & Bus also remains uncertain on the future of ATF's following a trial in Manchester.

"We have been happy with our own experience during the trial but can't make a decision until we know the full shape of the ATF contract," says John Davies, head of service for MAN Truck & Bus UK.

However in response to VOSA's target of having 33% of tests conducted at ATFs by March 2010, Davies says test centres should not close unless there are definite alternatives in place.