Updated ATF contract ‘to offer more flexibility’

DVSA has published an updated contract for the authorised testing facility (ATF) network, following feedback from ATF operators during recent trials.

The new contracts are said to provide increased flexibility regarding when tests take place, including: “the ability to build testing sessions in blocks of 3.5 and 4.5 hours, to a maximum testing day of 21.5 hours. Test slots will also be available seven days a week.”

Changes will also apply to the booking system, providing ATF operators with the option of a quarterly booking facility, in addition to the short-term application process. There would also be a single point of contact for bookings and queries, DVSA said – as well as “improvements in test results capture and draw down from pre-funded accounts.”

The changes precede the rollout of DVSA’s ‘Next Generation Testing’ (NGT) scheme, which the agency claims will provide: “a more flexible, customer-focused approach to heavy vehicle testing.”

Due to take effect nationally over the next two years, NGT has been undergoing a nine-month trial in South Wales, Herefordshire and parts of the West Midlands, which DVSA reports has been a success.

The new ATF contract can be viewed here.