The MOT Trade Forum

The basic European regulations for the MOT are set out in an EU Directive (96/96 – soon to be amended) which sets the minimum requirements of periodically inspecting cars and light commercial vehicles used on European Roads. Most European countries do not adopt the basic rules of the 96/96 Directive, a very minimal safety standard, but extend those provisions, which is the case in Britain. The Department for Transport (DfT then develop the legislative framework which is the MOT Test.

The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) then turns these basic MOT laws into practical ‘do this, do that’ regulations which MOT Testing Stations must comply with. VOSA also administers the MOT Scheme. Both VOSA and the DfT are obliged to consult with the MOT industry when considering making material changes which will affect operators and the motoring public.

Those whom they consult consist of trade bodies, motoring organisations, consumer organisations and others who may be directly affected.

The MOT Trade Forum is an informal board of representatives from trade bodies which have MOT Testing Stations in their membership, whose function is to discuss in detail and agree wherever possible on key strategic objectives and operational issues relating to the MOT Testing Scheme from the viewpoint of the MOT Trade. Against this background, individuals and trade bodies will then consult both collectively, and independently with VOSA and the DfT.

The main object of the Forum is to provide greater collective strength to the representations made by trade bodies and others when working with VOSA and the Department for Transport with respect to the operation and future development of the MOT Testing Scheme with a view to improving road safety through increasing the effectiveness of MOT Testing.

Current Members

• Mr Jim Punter (MOT Testing magazine/Punters Garage) Chairman
• Mr John Ball (RMIF/ MoTest UK)
• Mr Steve Coles (RMIF)
• Mr Douglas Roberston (Scottish Motor Trade Association)
• Mr David Innes (Scottish Motor Trade Association)
• Mr John Ashton (MOT Club)
• Mr Richard Edy (National Tyre Distributors Association)
• Mr John Tarbox (National Tyre Distributors Association)
• Mr David McKimm (National Tyres and Autocare)

 
The Forum meets from time to time a few times each year to discuss current MOT issues of import to Testing Station owners and their staff and develop a broadly agreed policy. When vital issues arise (like the recent review of the MOT frequency to once every two years), the Forum is likely to meet more often.
Recent issues:

Some operational issues on which the Forum have met, and invited VOSA staff to attend their discussions have been:

 The risk assessment ‘traffic light’ scheme

• The disciplinary review
• The review of VOSA’s internal ‘Operating Instructions’
• VOSA’s Service Level Agreement with the trade

Key issues likely to be discussed in future meetings will be the new MOT Computer contract, which is to be renewed or re-allocated in 2015, and the current review of the practicalities of VOSA’s ‘Risk Assessment’ processes.

Contact Information:  

If your business is affected by the MOT and you have an issue which you feel should be raised, contact the MOT Trade Forum Chairman at: editor@motester.co.uk.