500th authorised testing facility opens in County Durham
The 500th authorised testing facility (ATF) to carry out annual tests on lorries, buses and coaches has been opened.
DVSA Chief Executive Alastair Peoples and Chatfields PLC Franchise Director Wayne Edwards
On 2 July 2015, Alastair Peoples, Chief Executive of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) opened the 500th ATF at Chatfields in County Durham.
ATFs are privately-owned businesses where a DVSA vehicle examiner carries out annual tests on lorries, buses and coaches.
More choice for customers
DVSA’s strategy to provide tests at ATFs has helped to reduce the burden on commercial operators, by taking vehicle testing closer to the customer.
This means customers now have more choice of where to go for tests, and this helps to reduce vehicle down-time.
Almost 93% of all tests are now carried out at private sites away from DVSA’s own test stations.
Savings on fuel costs and vehicle down-time
Alastair Peoples presented Chatfields with a certificate to mark the official opening of the 500th ATF.
Alastair Peoples said:
I feel extremely proud of DVSA’s ATF strategy and of how successful it’s been. I am delighted to be here today and celebrate adding yet another ATF to our increasing network.
I know local operators and drivers in the County Durham area will quickly see the benefits of having a greater choice of where they can have their vehicles tested.
ATF customers from across the country tell me they have seen savings on fuel costs, vehicle down-time, lower CO2 emissions and improved first-time pass rates and I expect to hear similar feedback from operators and drivers using this facility.
Chatfields National Franchise Director, Wayne Edwards said:
We are really honoured and pleased to be the 500th ATF. We believe this is a fantastic business proposition for our customers, and ourselves in the north east.