4:37 pm, June 20, 2013
CHANGES to motoring services, such as driving tests and vehicle testing, were announced today by Roads Minister, Stephen Hammond.
The services currently provided by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and the Vehicle Operator Services Agency (VOSA) will be brought together into a single agency, providing motorists and businesses with more convenient and cost effective motoring services.
These changes will allow for the delivery of the same high quality testing and standards services to motorists and businesses, but with greater efficiency. The DSA and VOSA are already undertaking work to make testing more flexible and convenient for customers.
These services will be delivered by the single agency in 2014 and a transitional board, under the leadership of VOSA chief executive Alastair Peoples.
Stephen Hammond said: ‘We need to make sure that we continue to keep pace with customers’ needs and deliver services in a way which is both convenient and cost effective.
‘These changes will put customers at the heart of the services they rely on and allow for a more coherent approach to service delivery. By bringing testing and standards services into a single organisation we will make life easier for customers and potentially reduce the fees we charge.’
Sue Robinson, RMI director, added: ‘The RMI responded to the Motoring Services Strategy consultation and called on the DfT to rationalise its four key agencies.
‘The move to bring VOSA and DSA under one single agency will avoid duplication of duties and make the agencies more efficient.
‘Bringing the agencies together should help to simplify processes for businesses as well as keep fees down.
‘The RMI await the outcome of the Motoring Services Strategy and hope that the DfT will take on board our other recommendations, specifically those surrounding an expansion of Authorised Testing Facilities (ATF) testing.
‘The RMI also believe that an expansion of online services provided by the DfT agencies would improve efficiency and abolition of tax discs in vehicles.’
