The DVSA has appointed DAF dealer A Herring in Chesterfield as its latest Authorised Testing Facility (ATF), bringing the total of DAF-accredited MoT testing stations to 50.
With more than 400 ATFs in the UK, DAF’s network is providing wide reach for truck operators, while also making up a sizeable proportion of its own 133 UK dealer locations.
A Herring’s appointment, which follows that of Lothian DAF at the end of January, is a notable milestone for DAF Trucks in the UK. DAF has spearheaded the drive for manufacturer-appointed ATFs when VOSA, as the agency was formerly known, announced the closure of its test stations in 2010. Meanwhile, the appointment of DAF’s 51st ATF is also close to completion.
Based on the DVSA’s own ‘Preparer ID’ figures, DAF’s dealer network reported a 95% MoT first-time pass-rate in 2014, building on already very impressive figures of 94% in 2013 and 93% in 2012.
DAF also has the first complete franchised network to insist all technicians are independently accredited and certified to carry out vehicle safety and maintenance inspections, and 1,500 have achieved that status under the IRTEC scheme.
“A DAF ATF offers more choice for operators,” said Greta Archer, DAF Franchise Manager. “They take MoT testing closer to the customer while reducing heavy vehicle journeys for tests and maintenance, thereby lowering costs.
“Flexibility is the key here,” she said, “allowing our ATFs to ‘book-in’ operators at their own convenience. A Herring and Lothian DAF are the latest in a DAF network which comprises modern, well-equipped testing facilities with fully-trained technicians who understand the importance of keeping well-maintained trucks on our roads. DAF ATFs offer a true one-stop-shop for operators, while making the DAF service offering even more appealing – and we have plans for expanding our ATF network even further in the near future.”
