On 2 July, DVSA Chief Executive, Alastair Peoples opened the 500^th Authorised Testing Facility (ATF) at Chatfields in Country Durham.

ATFs are privately-owned businesses where a DVSA vehicle examiner carries out annual tests on lorries, buses and coaches.  Through the ATF network, operators have greater choice of where they can have their vehicles tested and no longer have to travel long distances to government-owned sites.

The industry has reported massive savings in fuel costs, reduced vehicle down-time, lower CO₂ emissions and improved first-time pass rates.  Around 93% of tests are carried out at non-DVSA sites.

You can find your nearest ATF by visiting www.gov.uk/find-atf-dvsa-test-station.