22-01-09 Bredbury Goods Vehicle Test Station Closes
After 40 years of commercial vehicle testing, the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) has today announced the next stage of its modernisation agenda. This will lead to the creation of a more efficient and customer-focused service for the testing of buses, coaches and lorries operating in the 21st century.
VOSA’s long-term plan is to replace its ageing test stations, many of which predate the development of motorways in the UK, with new authorised testing facilities under contract from the Agency. Continuing the Agency’s drive to improve efficiency in its 90 site network, Alex Fiddes, Chief Operating Officer announced that three test stations will close by summer 2009.
The local test station at Bredbury will close and staff will transfer to stations where we believe the majority of customers will take their vehicles to be tested. Our aim is to achieve this as soon as possible but before we do we will be working with the transport industry locally to identify potential authorised facilities to offer customers a choice of test location. VOSA will ensure that customers affected by the closures are kept informed and will assist them in making future test bookings at alternative locations.
These station closures follow the decision late last year to close 10 test lanes, across the country as a first step in reducing overcapacity in the testing estate.
Alex Fiddes said “VOSA’s plans for a modernised service include refreshing the current Designated Premises network with the creation of Authorised Testing Facilities (ATF) run by private companies such as operators and maintenance providers. VOSA staff will continue to provide independent, regulated tests for the ATFs.
“We want to provide a modernised, more efficient service for our customers. VOSA has been working with operators and maintenance providers for some time to offer testing at designated premises with great success. Taking our services to the customer reduces the amount of vehicle downtime and, as a result, is more economical for operators. The closures are the start of a programme looking at transforming VOSA’s testing operations. VOSA will continue to discuss proposals for change with the trade and its customers.
Alex Fiddes added:
“VOSA has a strong vision of transformed testing that will be delivered by expert staff closer to the point of operation and maintenance. It’s a vision that supports our aim of saving lives on Britain’s roads.”
For media enquiries about VOSA, please contact: Luke Bigwood on 0117 954 3208 or Zita Easton on 0117 954 2561. You can also e-mail press@vosa.gov.uk
Page last updated: 22/01/2009