We had heard worrying rumours that BIVA was under threat as the number using the scheme were considerably down on the projections in the VOSA 2008/9 Business strategy, resulting in them adjusting their projections downwards from 5000 to 3500 tests carried out:-
BIVA Business Plan 2008/2009
We had already heard rumours of one HGV / SVA /BIVA test station sold off as part of the VOSA rationalisation scheme and, as a consequence, the testing scheme no longer being operated from that centre.
Within their 2009/10 Business plan they are looking to sell a further 3 test facilities ( page 8 and 10 ) and to externalise 33% of testing facilities.
We contacted VOSA and Lord Adonis (the Secretary of State for Transport) direct to see how these change would affect the test and what truth was contained in the rumours. We include the full replies below
From VOSA press Office
”Just like any other organisation the Department for Transport and VOSA are continually reviewing their various activities in order to maximise efficiency.
On a strategic level there was a review last year regarding the outsourcing of some of VOSA’s activities to the private sector. This was mainly aimed at the HGV and PSV MoT testing side of the organisation, although other smaller schemes were included to a certain extent. The review concluded that whilst the Government were content for this work to remain in the Public Sector, VOSA would be charged with making such testing activities more accessible to customers ideally at the point of servicing or maintenance.
This approach builds on the existing “Designated Premises” network whereby buildings and equipment are provided by the Private Sector and VOSA examiners visit to conduct their testing activities. Changes would include a contract between the private sector operator and VOSA for the provision of buildings and equipment on one side and the provision of testing staff on the other. VOSA have a target to conduct the majority of tests at third party sites in three years.
When such contracts were in place, VOSA could then review their own estate. No one knows what the take up of ATFs will be and until such detail is known VOSA will not make any decisions regarding further site closures.
VOSA already have many “Designated Premises” in existence, predominantly on the MoT testing side of the organisation. The contract is being developed and in the near future “Designated Premises” will have the opportunity to enter into the contract with VOSA and become an “Authorised Testing Facility” (ATF). Other private sector trade providers are also being encouraged to apply for ATF status. The actual testing will continue to be carried out by VOSA staff.
In parallel with this, the economic recession has resulted in VOSA having “over capacity” to conduct its HGV/PSV MoT testing work. Just like any other organisation VOSA has to react to the economic climate to ensure that it remains efficient and concluded that four HGV testing sites will close. Bredbury, St Austell and Llandrindod Wells have closed this year. Steeton is due to close by March 2010. None of these sites provided Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) or Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) testing services.
To focus on the SVA/IVA schemes, it is true that volumes are far lower than predicted. In developing the IVA (NIVA and BIVA) scheme for cars the predictions on volumes were made back in 2007. Such work had to take place then in order for VOSA to establish the required fees which then had to be consulted on and put into regulations. All this took place before the recession hit.
All of VOSA’s testing activities are funded by fees and to maintain sites where there is very little demand would inevitably force a fee increase which would not be acceptable to others using the scheme. VOSA continually monitor the network of SVA/IVA sites and keep this under constant review in order to keep costs under control. Due to the reduction in SVA/IVA demand at Shrewsbury, and an operational requirement to redeploy staff, we have temporarily suspended SVA/IVA testing there.
The SVA scheme had seven Designated Premises which were owned by the private sector. Since IVA was introduced there are now only two operating but that has been a commercial decision for the operator of these premises but still the VOSA sites are available.
VOSA are not aware of any DfT plans to review the BIVA part of the IVA scheme. Indeed, it is the DfT who have fought long and hard to ensure that BIVA does exist in order to provide a route to registration for vehicles built individually in order to maintain the British tradition of building their own vehicles.”
From VOSA Corporate Office
”Thank you for your email of 23 November 2025 addressed to Lord Adonis concerning IVA testing.
As the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA)are responsible for conducting IVA testing it has been passed to me for reply.
The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport’s announcement inDecember 2008 that 85 percent of tests are to be carried out at Authorised Testing Facilities (ATFs) by 2010 was in respect of heavy goods and public sector vehicle testing.
VOSA’s Testing Transformation Programme is about moving testing closer to the customer.
An element of this change programme is about encouraging existing vehicle operators, dealers and maintainers,and other interested parties to apply to become an ATF so that they can host vehicle testing.
It is not the intention of this change programme in itself that VOSA testing stations should close. However, some stations might close as a consequence of the programme, when it is clear that there is sufficient non-VOSA testing station capacity in the market to satisfy demand.
With regard to specialist testing no decision has been made about where this type of testing is to be carried out.
A strategic decision will be made at the appropriate time but VOSA’s current position is that we will retain a network of testing stations at which IVA tests and other specialist testing will be carried out. I hope this clarifies matters for you.
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