VOSA hopes for more ATFs

VOSA's new chief executive Alastair Peoples has admitted that the agency is hoping companies will step forward to open Authorised Testing Facilities (ATFs) once the formal contract terms have been finalised.

A draft contract has recently been issued to potential ATF providers but the final version is expected to be published in the autumn.

The has tasked VOSA with shifting 85% of annual tests to privately run facilities by 2013. According to Peoples, this is part of a cost-cutting programme to shed over-capacity among VOSA test stations.

"Test station closures mean we don't have to pay refurbishment costs and pay to keep sites that are not used to full capacity," he explains.

Currently, Designated Premises (DPs) account for 23% of testing but VOSA has set a target of 33% of tests needing to be conducted by privately run facilities (a mixture of DPs and ATFs) by March 2010.

"There are a number of key players who want to become ATFs, but are waiting to see what the final contract looks like," says Peoples.

Despite VOSA's claims that ATFs will save hauliers money by bringing tests closer to them, Steeton-based operator Matthew Kitson says he would, and as a result the industry will be deterred from running them.

Peoples responds: "Potential ATF operators have to individually look at business opportunities."