Operators and trade bodies respond as DfT consultation opens into ATF pit fees cap, which has been frozen since 2010
Response to a proposed rise in the maximum fees chargeable by an Authorised Testing Facility (ATF) for use of its pits for MOTs is likely to be mixed.
The Department for Transport (DfT) has opened a consultation into raising the cap for coaches and buses from £70 to £90.
This would be the first such rise since the move to the ATF model in 2010. DfT notes the fee would now be £108 if it had risen in line with inflation.
RHA, which represents the coach and road freight sectors, says it supports a “balanced approach” that ensures fairness for operators, financial sustainability for ATFs, and a future-ready testing network.
Aaron Peters, Head of Technical, Engineering and Policy, says: “We know operators aren’t working on huge margins a lot of the time, so any cost increase is going to affect their bottom line and the viability of some of the work they’re doing.”
However, he adds: “There is an understanding among operators that technology and testing are evolving and there’s got to be an investment in the infrastructure around that.” Mr Peters believes that raising the cap might encourage more ATFs.
A rise in the cap on ATF pit fees is likely to be welcomed by the coach and bus operators that are among the 500-plus ATFs nationwide.
Among those is Llantrisant-based Edwards Coaches. Fleet Engineer, Paz Balzano, backs the proposal and says a rise would “assist in the reinvestment in advanced, sophisticated equipment to improve road safety overall”.
He adds: “We support an annual review of the charges, though we appreciate the impact on the bottom line of our clients.”
On the idea of testing accessibility issues being remedied by any rise, Mr Palzano says he “follows that logic”, but adds: “For a newcomer to the market to invest in the development to establish an ATF, while the price revision may be attractive, the initial outlay may be prohibitive.”
Also welcoming the proposal was coach operator Country Lion of Northampton, which is also an ATF.
Country Lion Director Dan O’Dell says: “A rise in the fees cap would be positive for ATFs, as it helps offset the increasing costs of maintaining and servicing the test lane.
“An adjustment would support the sustainability of these facilities.”
The consultation ends on 21 November.
