Oban gets new HGV test station

Oban’s first drive-through MOT testing station for HGVs has been approved by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

HGVs, buses, trailers and large mini buses, which are required to be tested by a DVSA-approved firm, can now be done at the Argyll Testing Station in Lochavullin Road.

Previously, HGV operators had to travel to Glasgow or Lochgilphead to be tested, causing firms to lose a day’s business as well as having an impact on the environment.

Willie Bonniwell is the man behind Argyll Testing Station, a state-of-the-art, drive-through MOT centre. Willie also has an MOT testing station for cars on Quarry Road, a body shop in Benderloch and Flit Self-Drive in Oban.

Willie said: ‘At the moment we have two days a month testing but we are going up to four from this month and, if the demand is there, more can be added.

‘On the days HGV tests are not being carried out, the station can be used for cars.’