As a regular reader of RO you will have read a number of articles relating to the HA/NVRM project and the questions raised by AVRO in their quest to understand amongst other matters, the financial aspects of the scheme and relay any forthcoming detail to their members and other interested parties.

 

The HA/NVRM project provided the platform to complete the transfer of responsibilities for dealing with incidents involving abandoned, broken down and accident damaged vehicles between the Police and the HA. This transfer of responsibilities also provided the opportunity for the HA to invest towards its wider aims of safe roads and reliable journey, as a result the HA has procured a contract designed around a performance regime and technical standards that support their ability to clear incidents quickly and to keep traffic moving safely, this is certainly their purported aims.

 

The AVRO questioning has centred around operational and costing issues and in a detailed response recently received by AVRO from the Minister of State, Chris Mole MP, a four-page letter re-iterated a number of clarifications described in depth, but still failed to adequately resolve the situation and bring it to a satisfactory conclusion. However, in closing the Minister did refer to senior personnel within the HA and their ability to answer any remaining questions.

 

Shortly after receipt of the Ministerial correspondence AVRO received a communication from a senior HA representative acknowledging awareness of the associations concerns regarding the HA/NVRM contract, treatment of statutory charges and comparisons being made between Police and HA contracting and commercial arrangements.

 

An offer is now on the table for AVRO to meet with the Police and HA to discuss the matter further. RO understand that AVRO are seeking to gain an invitation to other stakeholders who support AVRO’s concerns. RO will continue to keep readers informed of any progress.