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.
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 in 2024 and beyond.
Get involved, join today, and make a difference.
In 2011, the Vehicle and Operator Standards Agency (VOSA) partnered with the private sector to address inefficiencies in the HGV testing process, which had been hindered by long waiting times and significant travel distances for operators, resulting in substantial fleet downtime and financial losses. The merger of VOSA and the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) in 2014 to create the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) was aimed at strengthening this partnership, leveraging private sector expertise to enhance the service.
Under this arrangement, ATFs have taken on the monetary responsibility for infrastructure and operations, while the DVSA provides testers. However, this model has faced significant challenges, including a shortage of testers and restrictive booking practices imposed by the DVSA, both of which have negatively impacted ATFs. Despite some improvements over the past decade, the private sector continues to struggle with operational and financial difficulties, often feeling that the DVSA prioritises its own interests at the expense of ATFs.
The DVSA has taken several actions, such as extending testing times and introducing new rules without prior consultation, which have raised operational costs for ATFs. Furthermore, while the DVSA has conducted reviews that resulted in increases to statutory HGV test fees, ATFs have been excluded from these discussions.
It is vital for the sustainability of the ATF industry that operators, who have invested significantly in infrastructure and operations, can achieve reasonable profits and reinvest in their facilities. This, in turn, ensures improved service quality for the UK's transport network.
It has been more than 13 years since the last pay review for ATFs. As highlighted by the DVSA's own survey, there is widespread support for an increase in pit fees, yet no action has been taken to address this. Therefore, the ATFOA is calling for an urgent pay review to allow ATFs to adjust their pit fees if they so wish, helping relieve the financial strain many facilities are currently facing.
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.
UK
NEC, Birmingham
Our members attended the annual Commercial Vehicle Show.
NEC, Birmingham
Marylebone, London
Our team was represented at RHA's London event celebrating those who keep London supply chains moving.
Marylebone, London
UK
Our team marked National Apprenticeship Week.
UK
House of Commons, London
The ATFOA was represented 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.
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 © 2013-2025. 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.