TruckEast Opens Second ATF Facility at Stowmarket Dealer Point

Whilst take-up of the new ATF contracts has been slow, TruckEast were keen to ensure that they could offer their customers an expanded range of services, and attract new business.  “We can now offer customers a more convenient way of getting their vehicle tested at the point of maintenance and repair - whether that is in the east or the west of our region” commented John Biggin, TruckEast Managing Director. “This will reduce unnecessary journeys, which will benefit vehicle operators.”

These launches are part of a modernisation programme introduced by VOSA, which will lead to the creation of a more efficient and customer-focused service for the testing of buses, coaches and lorries operating in the 21st century. VOSA’s long-term plan is to replace its ageing test stations, many of which predate the development of motorways in the UK, with new authorised testing facilities under contract from the Agency.
Alex Fiddes, Chief Operating Office of VOSA said in January: “VOSA has a strong vision of transformed testing that will be delivered by expert staff closer to the point of operation and maintenance. It’s a vision that supports our aim of saving lives on Britain’s roads.”

The new contracts impose a cap for the pit fee on all dealers offering the service, and also insist on examiners being available for a 7-hour period.  This means operators can be confident about being able to get the testing done at a time and place convenient to them, and without open-ended costs.

The ATF at Stowmarket will be able to offer MOT on all normal ride height HGVs and PSVs. They also offer hire of their test trailer; hire of concrete blocks weights for rigid vehicles; brake, emissions and head light tests; and steam cleaning to prepare vehicles for test. They also offer the convenience of presenting your vehicle for test for you, so operators do not have to be on site to take it through the test lane.