Addressing challenges within the ATF industry
The ATF Operators Association (ATFOA) is relaunching its initiative aimed at addressing long-standing challenges within the Authorised Testing Facility (ATF) industry and advocating for fair treatment of ATF operators across the country.
Founded in 2013 by Stephen Smith, Chief Executive at Boleyn Recovery & Fleet Services, a family-owned business and ATF in Essex, ATFOA has been at the forefront of representing the interests of over 400 ATF peers nationwide. These facilities, crucial for conducting MOT tests for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), buses coaches, and trailers, have, according to the association, faced persistent obstacles in their operations, stemming from the partnership between private sector ATFs and government agencies.
The inception of ATFOA came against the backdrop of efforts by the Vehicle and Operator Standards Agency (VOSA) to streamline HGV testing, prompted by inefficiencies and extended waiting times experienced by multiple HGV operators. The subsequent formation of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) aimed to leverage private sector expertise to enhance testing efficiency through the establishment of ATFs.
However, despite initial promises, the partnership encountered numerous challenges, including DVSA tester shortages, booking restrictions, and unanticipated costs imposed on ATF operators. Over the years, ATF operators have struggled with financial deficits and inadequate profitability. ATFs were expected to concede value when DVSA imposed additional costs upon them at various intervals without even consulting their partners.
In response to these challenges, the ATFOA is relaunching to address industry-wide concerns and to advocate for fair treatment of ATF operators. Chief among its priorities is a feasibility study into permitting ATFs to increase their pit fee charges through a statutory pay review, ensuring fair compensation for ATF operators.
Essential work
ATFOA aims to reinvigorate the ATF industry by promoting the view of ATF services as essential safety components of the UK’s transport network, deserving of reasonable profit margins and investment in facility enhancement.
Stephen Smith, chair of ATFOA, comments: “The relaunch of ATFOA underscores our commitment to championing the interests of ATF operators and promoting fairness within the industry. Through collaborative efforts and advocacy, we aim to address longstanding challenges and ensure a thriving environment for ATF operators across the UK.”
“ATF operators, stalwarts in the realm of logistics, have weathered the storm of over a decade’s worth of inflationary onslaughts. They’ve valiantly shouldered the burden of extra duties without commensurate reward, all while sacrificing their own revenue streams. Tasked with the crucial responsibility of maintaining the UK’s testing ecosystem for HGVs, buses, coaches, and trailers, they provide not just real estate and infrastructure but also oversee safety measures and booking systems, essentially serving as the financial backbone for the DVSA.
Fair and square
“Yet, the current financial landscape poses a grave threat, with dwindling incomes and soaring operational costs pushing these operators perilously close to the brink. In essence, they find themselves not merely supporting but subsidising the very system they sustain, a scenario that could spell economic peril. It’s high time for a recalibration of this unequal partnership. The ATFOA is calling for an immediate pay review to ensure fairness and sustainability,” adds Smith.
ATFOA is inviting ATF operators, industry stakeholders, and policymakers to join hands in this endeavour to promote fairness, efficiency, and sustainability within the ATF industry. The ATFOA has written to all ATF operators, inviting them to re-/join ATFOA, and to both the Minister and Shadow Minister for Roads, requesting meetings. At the time of writing, a meeting has been secured with Labour’s Bill Esterson MP.
