April 2021

MOT stations that changed ownership from December now face being prevented from testing by DVSA if they have not installed the required connected equipment at their site. DVSA began its roll-out of connected MOT equipment in 2019, starting with roller brake testers, followed by connected decelerometers from February 2020. While existing MOT testing stations are not expected to replace equipment straight away, new sites and those that have changed hands are required to install connected equipment. When an Authorised Examiner takes over a currently operating vehicle testing station, there is normally a three-month window, or grace period, to get connected equipment installed. DVSA suspended the grace period in March 2020 because of the Coronavirus pandemic while many installation engineers were on furlough. This was reinstated on 1 December, and the initial grace period ended on 28 February. DVSA will stop testing by digitally detaching stations from the online MOT system. Any currently testing VTS which has changed ownership since 30 March 2020, or benefitted from the suspension of the grace period will be affected. It will also apply to any VTS which changes ownership after 1 December 2020. Commenting on the development, GEA Chief Executive Julian Woods observed: “This new directive from the DVSA will only be for those MOT stations who have repeatedly ignored multiple communications/warnings or have not confirmed their order status. As a result of this, suppliers may find some testing stations urgently looking for equipment or assistance in getting their equipment connected or guidance on how to use the connected software.” www.aftermarketonline.net NEWS 4 AFTERMARKET APRIL 2021 www.aftermarketonline.net MOT connectivity rollout: Three-month window closes on MOT stations MOT connectivity rollout: MOT emissions testing delayed The mandatory introduction of connected emissions testing equipment for some MOT stations is being delayed by DVSA as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 1 May has been suggested a potential new deadline although this has yet to be confirmed by DVSA. New sites and businesses that have changed hands in the last three months were due to need to have connected emissions testing equipment during March. Commenting on the delay, a DVSA spokesperson said: “We are progressing the introduction of connected equipment for emissions testing and will confirm timings for this as soon as possible. We are working closely with manufacturers to make sure that equipment is available and ensuring it correctly connects to our IT.” GEA Chief Executive Julian Woods observed: “The DVSA will be notifying the MOT industry of the changes nearer the time, but as we had announced last year that the planned date was March 2021, we wanted to provide an update on the current situation. MOT sites who already have purchased connected emission equipment before the mandated date can use the equipment on a voluntary basis and MTS is accepting the data being uploaded.” He added: “Existing MOT businesses do not need to update their emissions equipment at this time.”