MOT consultation: Driver safety “primary aspect” says NFDA
Published: 18 January, 2023
Driver safety should be paramount when considering making changes to the MOT according to the NFDA, which will be putting the case to keep the MOT at a 3-1-1 frequency via the consultation launched today (Wednesday 18 January) by the Department for Transport.
NFDA Chief Executive Sue Robinson said: “The primary aspect to consider when proposing changes to the MOT system is the safety of motorists as a result of vehicle defects. With advancements in technology and testing, cars and commercials are increasingly becoming safer off the production line, particularly with components such as autonomous emergency braking systems becoming more widely adopted. It is critical that the MOT system evolves and adapts in tandem with the rapidly developing technology used in automotive vehicles today.
“Nevertheless, NFDA is concerned that these changes to the system may not be beneficial for motorists or MOT testing centres, particularly for franchised dealers, to justify the changes and we will be conducting a thorough investigation into the implications these changes may have. Franchise dealers will continue to ensure motorists on UK roads are as safe as possible through robust, professionally executed and frequent MOT testing regimes.”
She added: “NFDA will be responding to the consultation in due course, as well as keeping correspondence with the relevant government bodies to ensure future MOTs are conducted in a safe and fair manner.”
- IGA responds to MOT Consultation
The IGA has responded to the Department for Transport’s MOT Consultation, which has looked at making changes to test frequency, along with other changes.
- Vehicle recalls added to MOT digital services
Real-time vehicle recall information is now being included within MOT Testing Service (MTS), the vehicle’s MOT history, MOT reminders and the MOT certificate, with 47% of the cars on UK roads covered as of now.
- MOT calibration: Snap-on support
Snap-on is offering MOT testing stations the opportunity to sidestep the need to source calibration for existing equipment via a special offer on a fully calibrated SUN DGA5000 emissions analyser.
The company says the equipment can be up and running within days of orders being received, and that those who take up the offer will pay nothing for 90 days. When payment is due, it will be interest-free, with a range of payment options available.
Since the end of the MOT exemption, the number of motorists seeking tests has risen significantly, and in a Special Notice DVSA acknowledged that MOT testing stations may find it difficult to get equipment calibrated. While some leeway was permitted if there was proof that a testing station had a calibration booked, it was also pointed out that business unable to prove their equipment has been calibrated and is functioning normally would not be allowed to perform testing.
Commenting on Snap-on’s offer, UK General Manager Mark Ost said: “We can provide you with our industry-leading SUN DGA5000 emissions analyser. You pay nothing for 90 days, ensuring you can generate some much-needed revenue without the worry of having to make a large lump sum payment straight away.
“With over 500,000 consumers choosing to defer their MOT tests, we know this has been a very challenging time for the whole garage industry.
“The positive news is that industry experts expect that the volume of MOT tests to be carried out from August to early 2021 will be over 2.5 times the usual activity, which will hopefully result in tremendous revenue opportunities.”
Mark added: “We know that the demand for the SUN DGA5000 will be high and so in order to meet our customers’ needs, we have been working hard to build up a stock of available product. Place your order now to ensure you get one of these units before supplies are gone.”
To find out more about the offer, call 01553 692422, alternatively, email techsales.uk@snapon.com or visit https://www.snapon.com/diagnostics/uk/MOT-support
- Proposed MOT changes risk keeping 300,000 unsafe vehicles on UK roads
Moving the first MOT from a vehicle’s third birthday to when it turns four could mean that around 300,000 unsafe vehicles would be allowed to traverse the UK’s roads, the IAAF has warned with the deadline for responses to the government’s MOT Consultation now just six days away.
- MAHA UK release new brochure
MAHA UK is very excited about its new brochure. The new 16-page publication covers the company’s brake and headlight testing offering, along with its workshop lift and chassis dynamometer ranges, and shows MAHA UK’s equipment in use in MOT bays and Authorised Testing Facilities
