Public Servant Lifestyle

As part of a nationwide programme of modernisation, the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) has completed its largest and most ambitious refurbishment work to date at Leeds Goods Vehicle Test Station (GVTS).

The aim of the modernisation programme is to provide Test Stations with modern facilities that fulfil customer requirements. The old test station closed in June 2005 and during the construction period vehicle testing continued at various designated premises and other GVTS locations. During the rebuild the test station site has been extensively re-modelled and the test hall and offices were completely demolished. The new station structure now incorporates the latest design and construction techniques.

Testing

The raised test station doors now allow all vehicles to be tested and all testing is now conducted under cover. The pits in the test lanes have been extended and their depth has been increased. The innovative runway lighting under the start of the test lanes provide better visibility for the testing process. In addition to the four revamped test lanes two half lanes with an internally fitted weighbridge now enable VOSA’s roadside inspection activities more effectively.

The office environment now provides enhanced space for station staffs and VOSA testing and enforcement staff are located in the same building. The newly refurbished test station has also enabled the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) to move into a larger and permanent accommodation in a separate building on the site and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) have also started using the site for vehicle checks 2 days a week.

Particular attention has also been paid to environmental issues. The station has been designed to operate in a more energy efficient way and the extensive use of movement sensors economise on lighting and water use. Using passive stack ventilation instead of air conditioning provides a healthier working environment for staff. The new station reopened for business on 3rd January 2006.

Enhanced Operation

Steve Jordan, Station Manager for Leeds test station said: “Leeds test station, with enhanced lane operation, offers a more effective service to customers. Certification and ADRs can be done completely under cover as can road checks and weighing. In addition the canopy provides protection from the elements and by incorporating added higher and lower level lighting it is giving an improved testing facility.“

Leeds Test Station construction involved:

21,000 concrete blocks were used in the construction, which would be 10km long if laid end to end

1600 cubic metres of concrete was used for the floor slab and foundations – this is equivalent to 3 standard size swimming pools

135 tonnes of steel was used for the frame, which is the weight of 30 elephants!

The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) conducts statutory annual testing for HGVs (Heavy Goods Vehicles) and PSVs (Public Service Vehicles, such as coaches and buses) at VOSA test stations around Britain and at private sector approved testing premises (designated premises).

VOSA also offers specialist inspections of vehicles at various other selected sites, for example certification of PSVs before they enter service; inspections of imported or amateur built vehicles to comply with acceptable safety and environmental standards (Single Vehicle Approval for cars and motorcycles); and inspections to check the identity of written off vehicles which are returned to the road (Vehicle Identity Check).

VOSA is responsible for:

Processing applications for licences to operate lorries and buses and registering bus services

Operating and administering testing schemes for all vehicles, including the supervision of the MOT testing scheme

Enforcing the law on vehicles to ensure that they comply with legal standards and regulations

Enforcing drivers' hours and licensing requirements

Supporting Traffic Commissioners to help them make informed decisions on operator licensing, vocational drivers and bus registration requirements

Providing training and advice for commercial operators

Investigating vehicle accidents, defects and recalls

The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency is an executive agency of the Department for Transport.

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