The Testing Transformation Programme (TTP) and Authorised Testing Facilities (ATFs)
What is the Testing Transformation Programme?
VOSA’s programme of change will transform testing by taking ‘testing to the customer’ by moving annual vehicle testing to privately-owned and operated facilities within the private vehicle maintenance sector.
Why is VOSA transforming annual vehicle testing?
VOSA is transforming annual vehicle testing to improve the service offered to customers and deliver benefits to industry and society.
Benefits to industry
The expected benefits of transforming testing include cost savings to the industry. Costs will be reduced by:
- Less vehicle downtime due to more out-of-hours testing
- Lower testing costs because of less time of skilled mechanics accompanying vehicles to VOSA test sites
- Less vehicle miles to test sites
- Fewer re-tests due to lower failure rates.
Fewer re-tests are expected since maintenance and testing is expected to be done in the same place and any damage caused by driving to a testing facility can be avoided.
Benefits to society
A reduction in vehicle miles driven where testing facilities are closer to the customer will lead to a reduction in:
- Congestion
- Damage to the road network
- Accidents
- Noise
- Greenhouse gases
Benefits to VOSA
Reducing the cost of an aging testing estate will deliver long term financial stability ensuring VOSA customers receive value for money services.
When are the changes being introduced?
At the heart of this change in testing delivery lies the introduction of the Authorised Testing Facility (ATF). An ATF is described as ‘a defined site where statutory heavy vehicle testing can be carried out in a repeatable and consistent manner by VOSA staff using approved equipment’.
Any privately-owned and operated facility can apply to become an ATF once the ATF Contract becomes available. VOSA expects the majority of testing will be carried out at privately-owned and operated facilities by March, 2012.
