Correspondence

ATF e-bulletin issue 11: June 2015

Published 16 June 2015

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

1. Next Generation Testing gathers momentum

DVSA has seen continued success over the past few months, bringing testing closer to the customer and providing Authorised Testing Facilities (ATF) with a modern, more flexible service.

Next Generation Testing (NGT) has been developed to provide flexibility and deliver testing for industry, in a planned and prescribed way. It went ‘live’ in South Wales and Herefordshire in March following the successful 9-month pilot in those areas. This was followed by the launch in South Yorkshire, in April.

NGT Project Executive, Mark Burlinson said:

The next launch is scheduled for the South Midlands and we are on track to roll out Next Generation Testing to other parts of the national network of 493 ATFs in a phased approach over the next two years.

To complement internal recruitment, we have carried out an external recruitment campaign for Vehicle Standards Assessors (VSAs) - the key frontline role within NGT - which has attracted nearly 1,000 applications. We’re currently sifting candidates before inviting them for interviews.

As part of our ongoing commitment to improving quality and standards, more than 430 testing staff have registered for the Vehicle Inspection Programme, Quality Assured Programme qualification. So far, 65 people have already claimed the industry-recognised Institute of Road Transport Engineers Certificate (IRTEC) accreditation.

2. Next round of ATF forums announced

We’re pleased to announce the dates and locations for the next ATF forums taking place across the network.

The forums are free to attend and provide an opportunity for you to find out how we’re developing our commercial vehicle testing and for us to share our thoughts and plans for the future. Items on the agenda include information about DVSA and ATF responsibilities and an ATF and Goods Vehicle Testing Station estate update.

Our Head of Operations – NGT, Steve Jordan and Head of Operations – Vehicle Testing, Enforcement and Licensing, Hugh Rimmer, will be on hand at this year’s ATF forums to update you on the Next Generation Testing rollout currently taking place across the country.

There will also be a question and answer session at the end of each forum, when you can put your queries to our experts and share your experiences and best practice with other ATF operators.

Spaces are still available at the venues below, except for Birmingham which has already sold out. Book now to avoid disappointment and follow the on-screen instructions:

• 23 June, 6:30pm to 9:30pm: Leeds
• 24 June, 6:30pm to 9:30pm: Glasgow
• 29 June, 6:30pm to 9:30pm: Liverpool
• 30 June, 6:30pm to 9:30pm : Heathrow
• 1 July, 6:30pm to 9:30pm: Ipswich
• 7 July, 6:30pm to 9:30pm: Exeter
• 8 July, 6:30pm to 9:30pm: Cardiff

3. Changes to headlamp aim test for heavy vehicles

In the last edition of the ATF e-bulletin, we mentioned there were going to be some changes to the headlamp aim standards for heavy vehicles, that would make the test simpler and bring it more in line with EU lighting regulations.

These changes came into force on 1 April 2015 and mean the tolerance band for headlamp centres has been extended up to 850mm. The requirements to test the image break point have also been changed.

Read more about the changes in Moving On.

4. Further talks to be held with union on NGT

Following a meeting between DVSA Chief Executive Alastair Peoples and the Prospect Trade Union, further talks are to take place.

Alastair Peoples said:

I am very pleased with progress made on this issue and the positive way in which both sides have approached talks. It was agreed at our meeting that a small working group should be set up of Prospect representatives and managers to work energetically together to explore ideas raised both in this meeting and in previous meetings, which could potentially offer a way forward to resolve our difficulties.

Both sides felt that the meeting was very productive and reinforced both sides’ wish to work together to overcome any issues between us. To that end, further meetings have been arranged where it is our intent that we shall work together to achieve a mutually satisfactory outcome.

5. DVSA alerts

Please also remember that the only way to get regular ATF DVSA alerts with timely reminders about policy changes, consultations or service changes is to subscribe to DVSA Direct.