A consultation on the maximum service fees that can be imposed by authorised testing facilities (ATF) for HGV, coach, bus and trailer MOTs has been launched by the Department for Transport (DfT).
The DVSA is proposing that the maximum that such approved MOT centres can charge operators to use their facilities will rise from £70 to £90 for a coach or bus.
The caps for HGV (£55 to £70) and for trailers (£40 to £50) are also proposed to be increased.
DfT notes that this would be the first such rise since the move to the ATF model in 2010 and that the current maximum fee would be £108 for coaches and buses if it had risen in line with inflation.
The Authorised Testing Facility Operators Association (ATFOA), which has been campaigning for such a rise, welcomed the consultation and said the proposed rates are “about right for now”.
RHA encouraged operators to fill in the DfT’s questionnaire and adds that it “supports a balanced approach” that ensures fairness for operators, financial sustainability for ATFs, and a future-ready testing network.
Among the questions being consulted on are whether the proposed fees are “too high”, “about right” or “too low” and whether they regularly reviewed.
ATFOA chair Stephen Smith says: “On behalf of the industry, we have consistently highlighted that ATF service charges (the ‘pit fees’) have remained unchanged since the ATF contract was introduced in 2010.
“Over this period, costs have risen significantly with inflation, while running costs – including investment in updated equipment to ensure modern vehicles are safe and compliant – have also grown.
“To remain viable, ATFs must be allowed to recover these costs. The DVSA, to their credit, acknowledges and supports this case.
“In seeking to balance affordability for vehicle operators with the need for ATFs to continue operating and investing, DVSA is proposing a gradual increase in service charges, broadly reflecting CPI since ATFOA’s inception in 2013. The current and proposed maximum charges are set out in section five of the consultation.
“Reflecting on this progress, we believe the proposed amounts are about right for now and that, provided DVSA commits to annual reviews of the service charges, we are recommending members should support these proposals.”
In addressing the consultation, RHA notes that a modest increase in the cap could encourage new ATFs into the market and increase access to MOT testing for operators.
It also observes that such increases will help the industry keep pace with evolving technologies and testing requirements.
However, it notes that a rise in the maximum fee that could be charged could harm operators, particularly smaller ones.
The consultation opened yesterday and will close on 21 November. For more details and to complete the questionnaire, click here.
