Written question asked by Gwyneth Dunwoody (Labour) on Wednesday, 26 March 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 31 March 2008. It was answered by Jim Fitzpatrick (Labour) on Wednesday, 2 April 2008 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Lorries: Testing

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether there are plans to alter the (a) numbers and (b) terms of employment of staff employed and based at Vehicle and Operator Services Agency's heavy goods vehicle test stations.

Answer: The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) has (a) no plans to reduce the number of staff employed in technical roles in its HGV test stations, however, there are plans to reduce the number of admin support staff. As part of the DFT Value For Money programme, VOSA has been investing in modern technology and call handling processes to improve customer service and as a result, fewer admin staff are required. There are plans to reduce the admin work force by 19 FTE's. (b) VOSA has no proposals to change the terms and conditions of staff based at its HGV test stations, however, work has been done to investigate the options for more flexible opening hours for its test stations which may require new contracts to be negotiated.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 474 c1018W; 197883
Session: 2007-08
Subjects: Large goods vehicles Staff Testing Vehicle and Operator Services Agency
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk