RHA : RHA RAISES MULTIPLE CONCERNS OVER VOSA TEST STATION PLAN
RHA raises multiple concerns over VOSA test station plan20.07.09
RHA raises multiple concerns over VOSA test station plan
The RHA today raises strong concerns over several aspects of VOSA's plan for annual truck tests.
Under the plan, testing will be moved from VOSA sites, most of which will close, to a new system of contracted sites, or ATFs (Authorised Testing Facilities).
The RHA supports the stated aims of bringing testing closer to hauliers and improving the flexibility of testing hours but has fears that these benefits may fail to materialise in practice.
RHA concerns fall into three categories: 1) the viability and the desirability of the ATF programme; 2) the absence of clear guidelines on availability of minimum service going forward; and 3) the quality and consistency of the engagement process with stakeholders throughout the out-sourcing review and ATF project.
Issues have been brought to a head by the announcement that the VOSA test site in Llandrindod Wells, mid-Wales, will close on September 25.
At the request of RHA regional director Mike Farmer, VOSA called a meeting with operators in the area last Wednesday evening. At that meeting, VOSA revealed that the site had been sold to a leading supermarket chain and was part of the transformation of testing.
VOSA conceded that there were discussions but as yet no agreement with a local ATF provider; and that any local firm that did enter into an ATF contract was unlikely to be capable of taking large articulated trucks. Artics would have to travel at least 40 miles to the nearest test site, VOSA said.
The reaction from the 85 hauliers who attended the meeting was strongly negative, and the fears expressed mirrored closely those that have been stressed by the RHA in meetings with VOSA and the Department for Transport.
Strong representations have been made by the RHA to VOSA and the DfT in meetings on the ATF system that have been held on the basis of confidentiality. One point, which emerged just one month ago, was the intention to allow ATFs capable of testing only rigid trucks. 'We opposed this measure as introducing further uncertainty and risk to full-range ATFs, with consequential risk to hauliers with artics, and the Welsh closure adds strength to our argument', said RHA Director of Policy Jack Semple.
The RHA is seeking an urgent meeting with senior DfT officials. 'Change at VOSA is inevitable and we appreciate the efforts being made to engage with the industry. Our concerns are that these have not gone far enough or been early enough; that the policy has not been adequately thought through; and that, despite assurances, the service to hauliers will be compromised in terms of cost and site availability,' concluded Jack Semple.
Road Haulage Association - phone us first
For more details, contact RHA Head of Communications, Kate Gibbs on . . . Tel: +44 (0) 1932 838917 Mob: + 44 (0) 7979 531451
www.rha.uk .net
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