A new agency is aiming to improve motoring services in the UK.
New changes being introduced to motoring services in the UK should prove of benefit to customers, it has been claimed.
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and the Vehicle Operator Services Agency (VOSA) are being brought together into one agency – and it is hoped that such a move will build on the high quality of services already seen in the UK, but with an added emphasis on convenience and cost-effectiveness.
These new changes – which cover areas such as driving tests and goods vehicle testing – were announced by Roads Minister Stephen Hammond, who explained the merging of the two groups should enable a greater exploration of opportunities in such areas going forward.
From 2014, the services will be delivered by a single agency, with a transitional board set to head this.
It has already been determined that VOSA chief executive Alastair Peoples is to lead the board, although work that will take a closer look at its structure will not get underway until next month.
Mr Hammond commented: "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."
He explained that by having testing and standards brought into a single organisation, life will be made considerably easier for customers. In addition, there is also the possibility that fee charges may also begin to fall.
Staff from both the DSA and the VOSA will be consulted about the changes, with their support helping to make sure customers continue to enjoy the same high level of service to which they have become accustomed.
Mr Hammond's announcement comes after a consultation on the motoring services strategy was held between December 13th 2012 and March 7th 2013, which proposed reducing agency numbers to bolster motoring services to customers.
Posted by Peter Murray