Written question asked by Greg Knight (Conservative) on Wednesday, 17 June 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 19 June 2009. It was answered by Paul Clark (Labour) on Monday, 29 June 2009 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Motor Vehicles: Testing

Question: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what assessment he has made of the merits of transferring commercial vehicle testing to the private sector.

Answer: Following an extensive consultation process, the Department for Transport announced on 3 July 2008 that the testing of commercial vehicles would continue to be conducted within the public sector by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA).However, in order to meet customer requirements for a modern, flexible service, and to reduce vehicle downtime and associated costs for operators, the Agency aims to significantly increase the number of annual tests conducted at private sector premises over the next three years. These tests will still be conducted by VOSA staff.

Secondary information