We're the ATF Operators Association (ATFOA). We represent an industry of 400 Authorised Testing Facilities (ATFs)—MOT centres for HGVs, buses, coaches, and trailers—the length and breadth of the United Kingdom.
Take a look around, and if what you read resonates, get involved, join today, and make a difference.
Happy New Year! I'm Stephen Smith, the individual behind the inception of the ATFOA in 2013, and I've served as its chair since then.
Additionally, I'm the CEO of Boleyn Recovery & Fleet Services, a family-owned business (and ATF) with an unbroken trading legacy spanning more than 60 years. This experience provides me with firsthand knowledge of the industry.
While I believe the ATFOA has played a crucial role in influencing government policies regarding HGV MOT testing, there is more work to be done, as you'll discover.
Before my involvement with ATFOA, I held the position of president at the Association of Vehicle Recovery Operators (AVRO), the oldest and largest representative body for professional recovery operators in the UK and Ireland.
During my tenure, I spearheaded successful lobbying efforts, initially in Scotland, prompting a review and an increase in statutory vehicle recovery rates. Subsequently, our advocacy reached the UK Parliament, resulting in a commendable 27% increase in statutory vehicle recovery rates and a commitment to annual reviews.
I look forward to seeing what we can achieve by working together in 2024 and beyond.
Get involved, join today, and make a difference.
DaysDays
HrsHours
MinsMinutes
SecsSeconds
In 2011, the Vehicle and Operator Standards Agency (VOSA) initiated collaboration with the private sector to enhance the efficiency of heavy goods vehicle (HGV) testing in the UK. The existing outdated model proved inadequate, with HGV operators enduring extended waiting times of six to 12 weeks and covering significant distances of up to 100 miles for tests. This led to substantial losses due to fleet downtime.
In 2013, the announcement was made that VOSA would merge with the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) to form a unified agency in 2014, officially named the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
The envisioned partnership held promise, aiming to combine the private sector's customer focus and business expertise with the government agency's quality and independence. The partnership ushered in privately funded HGV testing facilities known as ATFs, raising expectations for improved efficiency.
The fundamental idea behind the partnership was for the private sector to shoulder the financial burden and risk of managing real estate and infrastructure, overseeing the booking process, and acting as the exchequer for testing payments. In return, the ATF received a pit fee for each test conducted.
However, reality proved to be a challenging landscape. Initially, DVSA testers resisted the change, often failing to show up or refusing to conduct tests despite waiting customers. As more ATFs emerged, it became evident that the DVSA had underestimated the demand, resulting in booked tests without enough available HGV testers. The DVSA, contractually obliged to provide testers, incurred substantial penalties paid to the ATF industry.
To circumvent penalties for inadequate tester supply, the DVSA began restricting the booking process, prioritising their own interests over their responsibilities. ATFs, having invested millions in infrastructure based on anticipated testing volumes, grappled with significantly reduced earnings while still needing to repay their investment in supporting the partnership.
Over the past decade, the situation has stabilised, but not without detriment to the private sector. On occasion, DVSA found ways to extract value at the expense of their private sector partners, reminiscent of how the police and National Highways increased revenue at the expense of recovery operators. Examples include extending the testing time for certain vehicle types, reducing the number of vehicles ATFs can test in a day, and introducing new rules without consultation, adding further costs to ATFs.
Adding to ATF woes, the DVSA conducted charging reviews, resulting in increased statutory HGV test fees, with ATF partners left out of the review. Since the first ATF was opened, more than 13 years have passed without a pay review for the private sector.
Among our varied priorities, the ATFOA is investigating the feasibility of permitting ATFs to increase their pit fee charges through a statutory pay review.
Certain ATFs are currently operating with financial deficits. A prevailing perception has emerged that the ATF service is viewed more as a "convenience" or a "loss leader" aimed at attracting additional business than as an essential component of the UK's transport network that should operate with a reasonable profit margin. The remedy for this situation involves reinvigorating the ATF industry, enabling operators to generate fair profits and reinvest in their facilities, ultimately enhancing the quality of service they provide.
In order to do things differently and affect the changes we're seeking, the ATFOA needs to allocate time to preparing materials and meeting with key politicians (including the government and opposition frontbenches as well as members of the Transport Committee and Road Freight & Logistics APPG), officials, and other stakeholders.
As we make progress, the ATFOA would like to keep members informed of our various activities by sharing regular updates via emails and our newsletter 'Word of Mouth'. We will also leverage our website and social media channels to promote our members. Please stay tuned for more information about future sponsorship opportunities.
In time, the ATFOA would like to invite stakeholders and members to our own targeted events and encourage networking opportunities. For now, we'll represent members at industry receptions, conferences, and shows such as the RHA parliamentary reception, ConservativeHome transport conference, and Commercial Vehicle Show.
NEC, Birmingham
We look forward to seeing colleagues at the annual Commercial Vehicle Show. Register here.
NEC, Birmingham
UK
UK
Our members marked National Apprenticeship Week.
UK
One Great George Street, London
Stephen Smith represented the ATFOA at the ConservativeHome Future of Transport Conference.
One Great George Street, London
House of Commons, London
Stephen Smith represented ATFOA at the Road Haulage Association (RHA)'s New Year Parliamentary Reception.
House of Commons, London
If you have a political or media question for the ATFOA or Stephen Smith, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our public affairs and PR consultant. For anything else however, do get in touch via the form below.
ATF Operators Association, ATFOA, Authorised Testing Facility, Stephen Smith, DVSA
77 River Road, Barking, Essex, IG11 0DS, United Kingdom
Mon | 09:00 – 17:00 | |
Tue | 09:00 – 17:00 | |
Wed | 09:00 – 17:00 | |
Thu | 09:00 – 17:00 | |
Fri | 09:00 – 17:00 | |
Sat | Closed | |
Sun | Closed |
Copyright © 2013-2024. ATF Operators Association Ltd. All Rights Reserved. ATF Operators Association Ltd is a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales (number 11000201) operating under the trade nameS 'ATF OPERATORS ASSOCIATION' AND 'ATFOA'.
Main Photo courtesy of Musgrave Transport, an ATF based in East Yorkshire. To have your business profiled here and IN OUR NEWSLETTER, contact us. Find your nearest ATF.
MADE IN BRITAIN BY DO DIFFERENT.