VOSA confirms 9% HGV test fee increase

VOSA has confirmed an average 9% increase in annual HGV test fees, and a 5% rise in O-licence fees, will take effect this month. The agency says the fee hikes, to be implemented from 20 April, will reflect the increased costs of providing services.

VOSA adds that from the same date, the supplement fee charged for operators that test at Designated Premises, or Authorised Testing Facilities, will fall from £13 to £6, and to zero from April 2010.

British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) chief executive John Lewis says: "These increases will place a serious financial burden on an already ailing sector, and will contribute to some operators going bust."

The BVRLA says it will write to business secretary Lord Mandelson to point out the discrepancy between the fee increase and his pledge to try and reduce the impact of regulation on business costs.

A full breakdown on the new test fees can be found online.