Motorists happy with Vehicle Testing Station’s appointment system |17 May 2022

The Vehicle Testing Station (VTS) located along Bois de Rose Avenue has started seeing positive outcomes after introducing the appointment system.

Hans Albert, the manager at VTS, said in an interview with the local media that this is all due to the understanding of their clients.

“Clients have to book their appointments one month in advance and this already clears the line that was usually seen at the VTS. We are operating like this since February with the support of the Ministry of Transport and things are smoothing out. We have also recruited three new administrative staff who assist in customer service, appointment booking and other administrative issues. We still have a small glitch with our phone as too many people are calling at the same time. Another solution we will be coming with is the introduction of an appointment system through email to facilitate bookings for everyone; but especially for large/multiple vehicles being booked at once (companies, car hires etc.). We are already running this as a trial with certain car hires/large companies.”

Mr Albert shared that they are testing this new system with a few car hires and it is working.

“We understand that before there was a perception that there was preference in allowing slots to vehicles, but we can proudly say that the system has been adjusted and instead of letting cars go and repair their cars, we fail them and they have to come again.”

Currently at VTS there are 8 vehicle examiners, and VTS is recruiting one more and the post is already being advertised.

“Despite operations formally starting at 8am, on most days employees go the extra mile to start from 7.30am or once cars start to arrive,” added Mr Albert.

Despite the appointment policy being in existence for years, VTS management has managed to better enforce and implement such practice through stricter measures at the station regardless of the public frustration at first, and by improving and increasing public sensitisation. As a result, the pressure and extra workload on employees has reduced (around 160 vehicles per day on average to 120-135 vehicles per day on average), allowing them to be more productive, and deliver a better service, which includes allocating the sufficient amount of time to properly test a vehicle (around 20 minutes each).

Mr Albert reiterates that there are no large queues at the station anymore as it is now more organised; this has been achieved through the development of some internal standard operating procedures and several unit meetings by the manager in order to boost staff morale and establish clear guidelines for the day to day operations

Wilson Denis, Road Transport Commissioner, spoke about modified cars and he said the public has been advised to avoid modifying their vehicle without informing relevant authorities and without relevant documentation; as a result their documentation differs from the vehicle they present for testing hence causing certain concerns. Before buying a car, the public can check their car at VTS to make sure they are buying the right car.”

He also thanked the public for their patience and their input. VTS is on its way to giving a better service to the public as cars are increasing on our roads and it is advising the public to be more alert while buying a car.

Vidya Gappy

Photos contributed