Concern is growing among operators that testing stations are failing operators and dealers due to a shortage of frontline staff.
Following Renault dealer Staffordshire CV's complaint about its local test station and lead times, Herefordshire-based Andy Powell Commercials claims VOSA has not recruited enough testing engineers.
MD Andy Powell also says rumours about the agency wanting to privatise some of its functions are resulting in staff shortages.
"[VOSA] has a national
problem," Powell adds. "This idea about privatisation is nonsense - I'm dead against it. A lot of good staff are leaving VOSA simply because they are demoralised."
In response to the growing levels of concern, the Road Haulage Association (RHA) is to meet VOSA chief executive Stephen Tetlow on 2 May. RHA policy director Jack Semple says it has arranged the meeting with Tetlow to discuss a range of issues, including the plight of testing stations.
"For some time now, we've been made aware by members of operational problems in some of VOSA's areas of activity," Semple explains.
VOSA has already responded to Commercial Motor, offering individuals affected by the delays the chance to meet with branch managers in an attempt to resolve problems.
Reed Business Information Limited.©2008
