Vosa has unveiled plans to cut the fees charged to authorised testing facilities (ATFs) for vehicle tests, while raising those that apply at its own test stations.
The move is intended to apportion costs more fairly between vehicle operators using the two different test routes.
Under its new fee proposals, which it has begun consulting on, the Vosa charges applied at ATFs would fall by up to 3%, with fees (excluding VAT) applicable for a two-axle truck falling from £93 to £92; those for a three-axle truck falling from £117 to £115; and those for a three-axle trailer dropping from £67 to £65.
The fees payable for vehicle tests at Vosa’s own test stations, meanwhile, would be increased by some 15-20%, with charges rising from £98 to £113 for a two-axle truck; from £123 to £145 for a three-axle truck; and from £71 to £85 for a three-axle trailer.
Not all of Vosa’s fees are set to rise so sharply: those relating to O-licence applications and variations, for example, will rise just 2%, which includes a general increase of 1%.
Welcome development
Stephen Smith, president of the ATF Operators Association and director of Essex haulier Boleyn Transport, said the move to review vehicle test fees was “very welcome” but added that the changes did not go far enough in addressing the current discrepancies between the fees Vosa charges customers and those ATFs must apply to make a living.
“I welcome any consultation on fees, because we do strongly feel there is an imbalance there,” he told Motortransport.co.uk. “At the end of the day, this is what they need to do to help grow the [ATF] scheme.”
With ATF operators typically adding their own fees of £40 for two-axle vehicle tests and up to £55 for three-axle truck tests, however, the new fee structure would still not be enough to create a level playing field, he added.
“It’s still not where it should be. After our charges [to vehicle operators], we’ll still be more expensive than Vosa so they’re still competing against their partners at a cheaper rate,” he said.
The consultation on fees runs until 11 June.
