Hauliers and ATF operators are celebrating after the DVSA promised to increase the number of testers available to carry out MOTs on HGVs.

The move follows a campaign led by the Road Haulage Association calling for an end to the crisis which leaves many vehicles off the road because they can’t get an MOT in time. 

The RHA welcomes their commitment to redeploying staff to ATFs but sees it as a short-term measure only. The DVSA needs to find a permanent solution to the crisis and should consider out-sourcing ATF roadworthiness testing to independent authorised inspectors in addition to DVSA staff.

RHA chief executive, Richard Burnett said: “Booking roadworthiness tests can be a problem when there aren’t enough staff available to carry them out. This means ATF operators are left with facilities that are not being used to capacity and hauliers are left with lorries and trailers off the road.”

The RHA is pleased that the DVSA has listened and has committed to deploying more staff to ATFs to ease some of the pressure, but this should only be the first step.

Operators who have trucks without MOTs and can’t book a test should contact DVSA network business managers immediately who will arrange a roadworthiness test. A list of the network business managers is available on the RHA website.

Road Haulage Association

About the Author: John Loughran