EXPANSION . . . a DVSA approved test lane is opening at Cumbria Truck Test Centre in Longtown next month
Cumbria Truck Test Centre, which is part of Wm Armstrong Ltd, will commence testing at the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) approved test lane at Townfoot in a matter of weeks, and will undertake MOTs on commercial vehicles, trailers weighing over 3500kg and on buses and coaches.
Derek Minskip, who has recently been recruited to manage the authorised testing facility, said: “In addition to the standard tests this facility will offer a wider range of services including brake roller testing, headlight alignment, exhaust gas analyser and will effectively create a ‘one stop shop’ where customers can request a pre-MOT inspection,MOT test, tyres supplied and fitted on site as well as all of the routine maintenance required to keep their truck or coach efficient, legal and roadworthy.”
He added: “Because truck and bus operators are very busy people, we will also be offering a collection and delivery service for MOT, along with the hire of a loaded trailer which is required to complete the test.
The DVSA have now commissioned over 500 associated test facilities across the country and this will be the first in the border area.
Initially the centre will be open three days a week with plans to extend to five days in
the near future.
And the DVSA have advised that, in line with Government policy, test slots currently
available at their premises in Carlisle’s Kingstown Industrial Estate will be phased out
over an agreed period of time.
Mr Minskip, who will work alongside a DVSA inspector, said: “The initial driving strategy behind this project was to provide Wm Armstrong Ltd with an improved MOT service which will deliver excellent operational savings in both fuel and workshop labour costs.
“However, there is much local interest in the use of the facility that provide testing for local bus, coach and HGV operators.”
