Email martyn.knowles@kelsey.co.uk Follow us on Facebook @ Car Mechanics Order back issues here: shop.kelsey.co.uk/single-issue/car-mechanics-magazineEmail martyn.knowles@kelsey.co.uk Follow us on Facebook @ Car Mechanics Order back issues here: shop.kelsey.co.uk/single-issue/car-mechanics-magazineI mentioned in my March 2023I mentioned in my March 2023
News came through last month from the Department for Transport (DfT ) after the MOT consultation they set-up in early 2023. It asked for opinions from motorists and the automotive trade. No change is the outcome. That means the current MOT system for testing cars, motorbikes and vans in England, Scotland and Wales will remain as a 3-1-1 system – testing a new vehicle on its third birthday and subsequently each year thereafter.
You may remember that the DfT asked for your feedback through the consultation to update the MOT to a 4-1-1 testing system. More than 4400 responses were received to the combined consultation and call for evidence. After listening to feedback, Ministers decided to continue with the current method of testing.
Editorial that one package of change from the DfT was to move to particulate number (PN) testing for diesel models built from 2013. I notice PN isn’t mentioned in the latest report. Though, DfT do say, ‘To ensure MOTs are fit for the future, the government will further investigate how to better monitor diesel vehicle emissions through the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
This will include whether testing should do more to ensure that diesel vehicles comply with emissions regulations.’
My MOT tester tells me that soon the emissions test will become ‘connected’. MOT results will automatically be sent to DVSA MOT Testing Service. Personally, I can’t see how the latest ‘emission zones’ in the UK penalise diesel engines due tohigher levels of NOx that exits the exhaust, when it’s not even tested for at MOT time. If NOx is that bad to our health, then why is it not being tested?
I spoke with the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) Chief Executive, Mark Field, after the DfT announcement. Mark said: “Plans to extend the first test from three to four years have been met with the full power of the entire automotive industry including motorists, who have been united in their view that extending the test frequency risks driver safety.
“There is a clear need – and opportunity – to support motorists on the safety benefits of carrying out regular MOT tests. MOT testing stations and testers need to be better supported in communicating to motorists why the MOT test is in place. Much is done on the importance of roadworthiness but more needs to be done to promote the relationship between the motorist and the workshop carrying out the test.”
