VOSA/DVA fee changes: consultation launched
A consultation has been launched on proposals by VOSA to alter the fee structures for some of the services the agency provides, including HGV and PSV testing, operator licensing, approval and certification of various kinds, vehicle identity checks, and tachograph calibrator approval.
The consultation document, which was published on 30 April, proposes a general, below-inflation increase in most statutory fee levels, in order to continue to sustain VOSA financially.
However, the agency said, “the package will reduce costs for many customers and, for those customers whose costs are increased, that increase represents only a tiny proportion of the costs of owning and/or operating the vehicles concerned.”
VOSA plans to create fairer fees by: “removing the remaining cross-subsidy of VOSA test facility costs from users of Authorised Testing Facilities (ATFs) and Designated Premises (DPs), and charging the cost of extra VOSA resource to service ATFs to ATF users.”
The main effect of this would be a reduction in VOSA fees for roadworthiness tests, ADR certification, and examinations for reduced pollution certificates (RPC) and low emission certificates (LEC) at ATFs and DPs – but an increase in those fees at VOSA’s own testing facilities.
This would mean the running cost of each type of facility was better reflected in the fees payable by those using them, the agency claimed.
Said VOSA: “In considering the increase in fees for tests at VOSA facilities it is important to remember that those using ATFs have to pay an additional pit fee to the ATF provider and that, even with the changes proposed, the total fee cost for a test at an ATF charging a typical pit fee of about £40 is still higher than a test at VOSA.”
The agency also plans to increase operator licence fees by between 1.5 and 2.4 per cent, depending on the type. In addition, the consultation covers proposals for fees charged by VOSA’s counterpart in Northern Ireland, the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA), but only in the areas of reduced pollution certificates (RPCs), individual vehicle approval (IVA) and vehicle identity checks (VIC).
VOSA chief executive Alastair Peoples said of the proposals: “After four years with no general fee increases, VOSA will continue to absorb most costs and keep general rises to a minimal one percent. This is good news for our customers as the increase is far below inflation.
“I am also pleased to be able to propose a fairer allocation of costs between customers having their vehicles tested at ATFs and VOSA test stations. I am keen to hear the views from customers on our proposals.”
VOSA is seeking the views of interested parties by 11 June 2013. The full proposals, and supporting documentation, can be accessed at the address below.
