We're the ATF Operators Association (ATFOA), representing a nationwide network of 400 Authorised Testing Facilities (ATFs) - the MOT centres for HGVs, buses, coaches, and trailers across the UK.
Explore our work, and if our mission resonates with you, join or renew your membership today - and help us make a difference.
I'm Stephen Smith, the individual behind the inception of the ATFOA in 2013, and I've served as its chair ever 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.
Join or renew today, and make a difference.
On 25 September 2025, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) published a consultation on proposals to increase the maximum service charges that ATFs can charge their customers.
Thank you to everyone who responded to the DVSA consultation on ATF pit fees in 2025, and to all those who have supported ATFOA's lobbying efforts over many years to secure an increase in the maximum service charge.
I am pleased to confirm today, Tuesday 23rd June, that the DVSA and Department for Transport have listened. Following overwhelming support across the sector - with 99% of ATFs and 95% of respondents who were both vehicle operators and ATFs backing the proposal - the revised maximum service charges, the first increase since 2010, will come into effect on Monday 6th July:
There is no requirement for ATFs to charge the maximum amount. The level of service charge applied remains entirely at the discretion of each individual ATF.
This is a significant and positive outcome for our members. The increase reflects the rising costs associated with maintaining facilities, investing in equipment, meeting compliance requirements, and continuing to provide a high-quality testing environment for both operators and DVSA examiners alike.
Many ATFs have absorbed substantial cost increases over recent years while continuing to play a vital role in delivering roadworthiness testing across the country. These revised charges will help improve financial sustainability, support future investment in testing infrastructure, and ensure the network remains fit for purpose for years to come.
This outcome also demonstrates the real value of a strong and united industry voice. The strength of the consultation response sent a clear message to policymakers about the challenges facing ATFs and the importance of maintaining a resilient and sustainable testing network.
Thank you once again for your engagement and support throughout this process.
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.
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.
c/o Boleyn Recovery & Fleet Services, 77 River Road, Barking, Essex, IG11 0DS
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 © 2013-2026. 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.
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