The North West Midlands has become the fourth Next Generation Testing (NGT) network to go live as the roll-out of this modern, flexible service continues across the country.
Authorised Testing Facilities (ATFs) that have already gone live include South Wales and Herefordshire, South Yorkshire and the South Midlands.
NGT is part of our plan to make heavy vehicle testing of lorries, buses and coaches even easier for our customers. It includes:
- the facility to book more flexible testing sessions
- the potential to introduce enhanced 24/7 testing when network areas are completed
- a centralised booking system for vehicle tests – with scope to make both short and long term bookings
- a dedicated management role (Network Business Managers) to provide advice and support to ATFs including help with commercial performance, productivity and efficiency
- a simplified reservation fee management process
- online support for ATFs
Extended hours for testing
All ATFs who are offered and sign the NGT-enabled contract will have access to extended hours for testing. When each area reaches completion, we hope that most ATFs will take advantage of the enhanced service.
Denise Lovering, Commercial Director of Glenside Commercials Ltd in Caerphilly, South Wales, was full of praise for the new service:
“The flexibility of hours means that we can satisfy more customers. We have some customers who are pleased that they can leave their vehicle with us the night before. The vehicle will get tested at 6am so that the driver can collect it at their normal start time. This means they can go to work and don’t see any downtime for the vehicle.”
Roll-out continues
Most testing is now being carried out away from DVSA’s testing facilities. We’re creating a modern, flexible and customer-focused service that addresses the needs of industry now and in the future.
Steve Jordan, NGT Chief Operating Officer, said: “NGT is the modern and innovative new design for the delivery of bus, coach and truck roadworthiness testing in the UK.”
Over the next 18 months, we plan to roll-out NGT to the remaining areas in England, Scotland and Wales. Along the way, we’ll be keeping everyone informed of our progress and will be analysing feedback from ATFs, customers and the staff to evaluate the success of the project and look to continually improve our service.
If you have any questions you can email movingon@vosa.gsi.gov.uk