How well is your VTS performing? - Inside this issue... Doing it with the lights off - Driving and transport
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MOT
F T E S T IN G
M AT T E R S O
For authorised examiners
and testers
JANUARY 2009
ISSUE 42
How well is your
VTS performing?
issue...
Inside this If the
Spotlight cap fits...
Doing it on testing page 12
with the abroad
lights off page 10
page 8
Contents
3 Ask Stevo… 6
Stevo tackles the issue
of noisy exhausts
4 News
Latest info on Authorised Testing
Facilities, fixed penalties and more
6 How well is your VTS
performing?
From the editor Improve performance
management with your
Happy New Year, readers! Scheme Performance Report
This first issue of 2009 contains
everything from useful advice if 8 Bikes, trikes and quads
your contractor goes bust to how Dispelling the myth of
to test a fuel cap. ‘daytime MOTs’
The winter weather increases
9 The Devil’s Advocate
risks to road users, but slippery
A question of contact
roads are not just caused by ice
or snow: they can also be the 10 Spotlight on…
result of diesel spills. Caused by National Car Testing in the
overfilling the tank, worn seals Republic of Ireland, part 2
and insecure fuel caps, diesel 11
spills are a major hazard, 11 Horror story
particularly to motorcyclists. Please take this brake away!
Visit www.killspills.org.uk for
more information on preventing 12 The knowledge
We take a closer look at
spills and saving lives. 14
fuel caps and how they work
The mechanics among you
should also note the very real 13 Making a clean sweep
dangers of faulty locking devices Working in partnership to
on modern 2-post lifts. For more bring the bad guys to justice
information visit the HSE
website at www.hse.gov.uk 14 T-brake
and type ‘2-post lifts’ into the Warm up your grey matter
search engine. with this season’s puzzles
Safety first!
Jessie VanBeck
Your MoT team Distribution Editorial office
Editor Co-editor If you have any problems with or VOSA, 4th Floor, Berkeley House,
Do you have any feedback on the Jessie VanBeck Ian Marsh queries about distribution, please Croydon Street, Bristol BS5 0DA
features in this magazine? Please Customer Relationship Manager contact the editor at While great care has been taken
mattersoftesting@vosa.gov.uk
send your comments, rants, opinions Kirsty Jowett to ensure accuracy, VOSA and
Produced by COI on behalf the editorial team cannot accept
and ideas to: Head of Roadworthiness
of VOSA (ref 291438) on responsibility for errors or omissions.
and Testing Policy Group
Neil Cumming 50% recycled paper. The content of this publication
The Editor should not be reproduced
Head of MOT Compliance
Matters of Testing Ian Bartlett without the consent of the editor.
VOSA, Berkeley House Head of MOT Technical Standards
Croydon Street John Stephenson
Bristol BS5 0DA MOT Standards Engineers
John Corcoran, Shaun Martin,
email: Roland Batchelor, Dougie Brandon
mattersoftesting@vosa.gov.uk
2 | Matters of Testing
Ask Stevo… they a result
OPINION
Are noisy exhausts kosher, or are
vo has the story.
of a loophole in the system? Ste
You ask: ‘We have an increasing number of ‘boy racers’ in our area who
have excessively noisy exhaust pipes, which I consider to be a nuisance.
How do these vehicles pass the MOT test – aren’t they illegal?’
Stevo says: This letter is just one example of the silencer in reducing exhaust noise to a level
many queries we receive on the subject of noisy considered to be average for the vehicle’. This
exhausts. Given that there have been some recent is open to some interpretation and we quickly
changes to the Inspection Manual in this section, realised that the Method of Inspection gave
I thought it was a good time to cover this area of no indication of what engine speed should
the test. be achieved before the noise of the exhaust
is assessed.
It is likely that many of these ‘big bore’ exhaust
systems don’t meet the requirements of Regulation To remedy this, we have added a note to the
54(2) of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) MoI which now requires testers to assess the
Regulation 1986 as amended: ‘Every exhaust level of exhaust noise at all engine speeds
system and silencer shall be maintained in good required for the exhaust emissions check. We
and efficient working order and shall not be altered have also made a slight amendment to the RfR,
to increase the noise made by the escape of which now makes it clear that the comparison is
exhaust gases.’ I don’t think this needs any with a similar vehicle with a standard silencer in
further explanation, do you?! average condition.
Clearly the fitting of aftermarket exhaust systems All this reminds me of another story of a complaint
is becoming an issue. As I have responsibility for from an angry father, whose son had been given
MOT technical standards, I need to make sure a prohibition by the police for a noisy exhaust
that the guidance given in the Inspection Manual shortly after the vehicle had passed the test.
is clear, and that the Reason for Rejection (RfR) Our investigation found that his son had removed
does not confuse. the offending silencer following an emission test
failure. So the retest was carried out with a standard
The Method of Inspection in the manual is to system. We don’t know what the outcome was
‘assess subjectively the effectiveness of the after we told his father!
John Stephenson heads up the MOT Technical
Standards team and has a wealth of knowledge
and experience in all aspects of the MOT scheme.
Send your comments, queries and views on the
MOT to mattersoftesting@vosa.gov.uk with ‘Ask
Stevo’ as the subject.
MOT enquiries can now be made through our national contact centre: 0300 123 9000 Matters of Testing | 3
NEWS
Authorised Testing Facilities
The decision to keep large vehicle testing in the public sector has prompted serious
consideration on how best to bring these services up to date. Here we share our plans
on how we intend to provide these testing services in the future.
Last summer Jim Fitzpatrick, reducing the overall cost of testing
Minister for Road Safety, and unnecessary CO2 emissions.
announced that large vehicle
testing will remain in the ATFs will perform the same
public sector. However, it function for customers as existing
is planned that VOSA staff Designated Premises. However,
will carry out a larger number the relationship between VOSA
of tests at privately owned and ATF providers will be more
premises, rather than at formal and binding. VOSA is
VOSA testing stations. currently working with the industry
to launch ATFs in 2009 and the
These sites will be known as new requirements for authorisation
Authorised Testing Facilities will open up large vehicle testing to
(ATFs) and are intended to more businesses.
provide greater choice as
to where and when large Further information,
vehicles can be tested. ATFs including the Guide to ATF
will benefit both industry and Accreditation, can be found on
wider society by providing www.transportoffice.gov.uk/
an increased number of Authorised-Testing-Facilities.
testing facilities nearer to Queries can be emailed to
presenters and thereby ATFenquiry@vosa.gov.uk
Power to the examiners
From spring this year, VOSA £30 and £200, depending on the The new legislation will also allow
examiners will use new powers to severity of the offence. Drivers of VOSA to take ‘on the spot’ penalty
issue fixed penalties at the roadside vehicles with defects relating to payments from drivers unable to
for offences related to drivers’ tyres, steering and brakes will also provide an address in the UK where
hours, overloading and mechanical face the prospect of points on their they can be found in connection
defects. Penalties will vary between driving licences. with any proceedings.
Decision at last
An announcement in December the Lord Davidson report on gold
last year by the Under-Secretary of plating EU legislation, revealed that
State for Transport, Jim Fitzpatrick, DfT will not be going ahead with
will be met with great relief by a consultation on test frequency.
the industry. The long-awaited This means the test frequency
announcement, which followed will stay at 3-1-1.
4 | Matters of Testing
NEWS
Coping with contractor failure
When a well-known UK equipment supplier/calibrator’s business collapsed
without warning last year, many MOT businesses could have been disrupted
as a result. Here’s how to cope if this happens to you.
There are many independent device, calibrators must be Step 1
calibrators or manufacturers’ accredited for the particular device Panic? No… don’t panic. Speak
agents who could potentially take and be ‘attached’ to an accredited to your local Area Office or Vehicle
over from a manufacturer that has laboratory by the United Kingdom Examiner (VE) and make them aware
ceased to trade. However, this is Accreditation Service (UKAS). of the situation.
not always the case, especially UKAS is the only national body
where equipment manufacturers in the UK recognised by the Step 2
reserve the right to use their own Government to assess against Contact the Garage Equipment
in-house approved teams and Association on 01327 312616
internationally agreed standards.
include this on the certificate for information.
of acceptance. Calibrators are not permitted to
switch equipment or laboratories as
This is exactly what happened Step 3
UKAS accredit calibrators to specific
when an equipment supplier If you still have questions, telephone
laboratories and organisations that
with in-house calibration went under the MOT Contact Centre (formerly
provide certification, testing and the Enquiry Unit) on 0300 123 9000,
last year. Had a third-party calibrator
been approved in this instance, calibration services. option 3.
there would have been little or no So, should this happen to you, we
disruption to the equipment checks. advise that you take the following The sooner VOSA is made aware
To be able to calibrate a gas steps as soon as you become aware of the situation, the quicker we can
analyser or smoke measuring of any potential problem. help you out.
Setting new standards
The introduction of a new industry code promises to regulate the trade and
deliver a high standard of work.
The motor industry has launched
a robust new code of practice to
improve the standards of garages
across the country. Launched last
summer, the Motor Industry Code
of Practice for Service and Repair
promises to address complaints
which cost consumers an
estimated £4 billion a year.
• open and transparent pricing Alec Murray, chairman of the Retail
Any UK garage can sign up to Motor Industry Federation (RMIF),
• completing work
the voluntary code, which ensures said: “The commitment already
as agreed
that customers receive fair and shown by the trade is an early
honest treatment. Responding to • invoices that match confirmation of its willingness to
consumer concerns over pricing, quoted prices address the poor image consumers
quality of work and customer have of the garage business. Most
• competent and
service, the new code now will have no difficulty in meeting the
conscientious staff
commits subscribing garages to: code requirements and the fact that
• a straightforward, swift it is so affordable makes it a ‘must
• honest and fair services complaints procedure. have’ business tool.”
MOT enquiries can now be made through our national contact centre: 0300 123 9000 Matters of Testing | 5
COVER FEATURE
How well is your
VTS performing?
The Scheme Performance Report is a useful tool that allows you to manage your test station
more effectively. Here’s a closer look at how it can help.
The Scheme Performance Report Change for the better We have also taken account of
contains information about MOT We have made some the way that MOT test data varies
tests conducted at your VTS. It improvements to help you with time. As you no doubt know,
allows you to manage and monitor make the most of the information the number of MOT tests is lowest
the performance of your VTS and available to monitor staff and around Christmas and peaks to
testers, comparing against coincide with new car registration
VTS performance. These
previous performance, other plate issue at the end of March
improvements also help us to carry
testers and national averages. and September.
out enforcement activities, as VTS
Those of you already using the performance can now be reviewed But did you also know that
report should have received the by VEs before they visit. We have the average test time is longest
Guide to Performance Report and built in an auto-prompt for VOSA on a Monday and shortest on
Garage Information Report along to review green VTSs when the a Friday? These and other
with the VTS Best Practice leaflet report indicates a significant observations have been
back in May 2007. Look out for change. During visits to red and included in the calculations
revisions to this leaflet in recent amber VTSs, VEs may also look at so that our statistics are
Special Notices. the causes for significant changes. more accurate.
6 | Matters of Testing
COVER FEATURE
What has improved? one of your key metrics, you can use this
opportunity to look into why this has appeared and
Several sections of the report have been improved,
make any necessary changes before we carry out
as follows.
our review.
VTS key metrics This could be something as simple as carrying out
Four performance indicators have been selected more frequent quality checks on the work being
from MOT Comp to give a clearer idea of a VTS’s carried out by your testers when the ‘significant
performance. These are: change’ marker shows a reduction in the initial test
times. Make sure that you keep a note of any action
• seasonally adjusted tests per day taken and make it available to the VE on their next
• average minutes for initial test (group A and/or visit. Small improvements like this could make
group B) all the difference when we carry out your next
site assessment.
• initial test failure rate – all classes (%)
• average age of tested vehicles (years). Metrics collection change
To allow the Authorised Examiner Designated We have made changes to the way we collect
Manager/Authorised Examiner Delegate (AEDM/ the data to allow for more accurate comparison
AED) roles and VOSA to monitor against these, of individual VTSs, testers and scheme averages.
each key metric has two values: While this change works its way through the
system, reports requested by you during January
• VTS three-month average: This is a rolling and February 2009 will show scheme averages
average that allows for any peaks and troughs data for December 2008. From March onwards,
that occurred during the reporting period. the report will show scheme averages data for
the month before last. Therefore, March’s report
• VTS baseline: This is a snapshot of the values will show January’s averages.
of each key metric taken in the month specified
on the report. The first baseline will be taken in
March 2009 and will have the same value as the No more component codes!
VTS three-month average for March 2009. Following feedback from trade organisations and
VTS, we have removed the component codes for
The baseline will be reset following a site defects. These have been replaced with a full
assessment, an enforcement telephone call from us description of the components. For example ‘5000’
or an internal VOSA review of the VTS. This can be has been replaced with ‘Lighting and signalling’.
checked by looking at the date of the baseline to Additionally, all component descriptions will now
see if it has changed. Key metrics will be available be shown on the report. If no defects are recorded
on the AE’s Scheme Performance Report at VTS against a component, ‘0’ will be shown.
level from May 2009 onwards.
Using the report
New feature
VOSA will use the report to monitor VTS
We have added a new feature: ‘significant change’. performance against its own baseline and the
MOT Comp will monitor the three-month average scheme average. Where significant changes are
against the VTS baseline. If it spots a significant identified, they may be followed up by our VEs.
change, it will mark ‘###’ against the relevant key You can use the report to your advantage to make
metric. improvements before we ask you to. The more
A ‘significant change’ marker may trigger an internal frequently you use the report, the more in the
VOSA review of the VTS. If you see ‘###’ against know you’ll be!
MOT enquiries can now be made through our national contact centre: 0300 123 9000 Matters of Testing | 7
COVER TRIKES
BIKES, FEATURE
AND QUADS
Doing it with the
lights off
We tackle the urban myth of ‘daytime MOTs’!
We receive a surprising number of
queries from people about daytime
MOTs, most of which come from
motorcyclists who think that
a road-legal track-day bike or
an off-roader with no lights fitted
must be given a daytime MOT
rather than go through the usual
MOT process.
Exploring the myth
b. an electric lamp which is not other VT20, which puts paid to the
But what exactly is a daytime
provided with any system of myth of a daytime MOT!
MOT? Well, to dispel the urban
wiring by means of which
myth, we can confirm here that However, in these circumstances
that lamp is, or can readily
there is no such thing! It is, you must always also issue a VT32
be, connected with a source
however, perfectly acceptable for advisory notice stating that no lights
of electricity.’
a vehicle to have no lights fitted were fitted at the time of test. This
and still pass a normal MOT test. You should find this information will provide evidence of the
somewhat familiar, as it provides machine’s condition at the time of
This is possible due to an test, should a future query arise.
exemption in Regulation 4(3)(a) the legal backing to the simplified
of the Road Vehicle (Lighting) wording used throughout Section 1
Regulations 1989, as amended: of the Inspection Manuals, where Other light sources
‘Nothing in these regulations shall we also state that such vehicles Remember, if a machine is
require any lamp or reflector to be must not be used at times of presented with neither front nor
fitted between sunrise and sunset seriously reduced visibility, as this rear position lamps, but it has a
to a vehicle not fitted with any would clearly be dangerous as well stop lamp or direction indicators
front or rear position lamp.’ as illegal. fitted, these must still meet the
requirements of the test.
Regulation 4 goes on to clarify
Don’t go out in the dark These aspects of the test, plus
that: ‘for the purposes of these
regulations a lamp shall not be So, if you are presented with a many others, are covered on our
treated as being a lamp if it is: machine for an MOT test that has motorcycle refresher training
no lights fitted, test it in the normal courses, which help to keep your
a. so painted over or masked way apart from the lighting checks. skills and knowledge up to date.
that it is not capable of being If it meets the test requirements, See the back cover of this issue for
immediately used or readily simply issue a VT20 test certificate. more information on how to book
put to use This is, of course, the same as any onto a course.
8 | |Matters
MattersofofTesting
Testing
OPINION
The
We all need help with an MOT query from
time to time, so if you’ve got an MOT-related
question, who should you ask? Many of you
Devil’s call your local Vehicle Examiner or Area
Office, whereas we want you to make better
Advocate
use of the Contact Centre. Why should you
call a ‘desk jockey’? Well...
Against For
Most AEs and testers have worked with their local The Contact Centre handles an
examiner for many years, and prefer to call someone average of 3,700 calls per day,
they have a face-to-face working relationship with. with 300 of these relating to MOT
testing. Our staff there receive
comprehensive training, including
the NTT course, which means that
they can provide consistent answers
to a wide range of your questions.
The VE has an in-depth knowledge of the MOT When it comes to new questions or
scheme and may be able to answer queries directly, complex issues, the Contact Centre has direct
rather than referring you on to the Contact Centre. links to MOT testing specialists. These specialists
can give direct answers or make policy decisions
as necessary. The Contact Centre may even call
the Department for Transport for further advice
on legal questions if you need more information.
It can sometimes be difficult to reach the Contact The Contact Centre can monitor issues that
Centre and, if they don’t know the answer, there cause significant problems to the trade. This helps
can be another wait before they can call back us to identify any amends that are needed on test
with their response. documentation. It may also highlight aspects of
tester training that may need to be updated.
The VE is familiar with using the VTS VEs are often not in the vicinity of a VTS device
device, or if the query is about a vehicle and therefore cannot access the up-to-date
or component there is a good chance they’ll Inspection Manuals and the MOT Testing Guide.
have come across the issue before. Certain other sources of information may also not
be readily available to them, limiting their ability to
provide a fully considered response.
Contact centre move
VOSA’s Swansea-based • smoky vehicles and information
Contact Centre, formerly the on dodgy operators
Enquiry Unit, moved to new • MOT test standards
premises in the modern SA1 • Vehicle Identity Checks.
development in Swansea Marina
late last year. The Contact Centre team can be
reached on 0300 123 9000, or by
The Contact Centre services cover: email at enquiries@vosa.gov.uk
MOT enquiries can now be made through our national contact centre: 0300 123 9000 Matters of Testing | 9
COVER FEATURE
SPOTLIGHT
Spotlight on testing
abroad – part 2
In our last issue we looked at the impact of VOSA’s training on the National Car Testing
Service Ltd. Now, we see how the National Car Testing Service implements and operates
car testing in the Republic of Ireland.
Before a vehicle is accepted for lanes if necessary during the test Testing the rest
test in Ireland, the presenter must and pick up the information at any As for the additional items:
produce the vehicle log book and computer terminal while the test is
the Vehicle Identification Number under way. • towing equipment is checked
on the vehicle must be confirmed for security, cracks and wear
against the National Car Testing Doing it differently
Service (NCTS) system. • auxiliary lamps (spot or long
All EU countries must test to the range) are only tested if they
A vehicle can be presented up to minimum requirements laid down operate, and are checked
six months early for its first test in Council Directive 96/96/EU.
for position, security, colour
and up to three months early for However, individual countries can
and aim
any subsequent test, and have the apply higher test standards or test
additional time added. Outside of for additional items if they wish. • electrical equipment in the test
these parameters, a vehicle with The Irish test includes the use of a includes the ignition switch,
a current test certificate cannot suspension tester and a side slip the battery and electrical wiring,
be tested. Even if a vehicle is tester. Additional test items include cables and connections
presented after its due date, the towing equipment, auxiliary
new certificate will still expire two lighting, electrical equipment • the speedometer is checked
years after the date it was initially and the speedometer. for presence, operation and
due – not its date of test. illumination.
The suspension tester is used to
check for imbalance of damping While there are additional items
Drive-through service across an axle. If there is an and slightly tighter standards
All of the testing facilities are imbalance across any axle in applied to some items, what we
equipped with drive-through excess of 30%, the vehicle is found most interesting was how
Automated Test Lane (ATL) in the failed. The slide slip tester is used slick the test can be with the use
test bays. These are connected to test deviation from a straight of ATLs and drive-through lanes.
to a central computer system that line without the movement of the These are certainly worth
records the results electronically steering wheel. The maximum considering if you are looking
at each stage of the test. This acceptable allowance is 14m/km to upgrade your facilities.
is incredibly useful at multi-lane for a front axle and 18m/km for
sites, where you can switch a rear axle.
10 | |Matters
MattersofofTesting
TestingCOVER
YOU TELL
STORY
US
Horror Story Stretching flexibility to the limits!
Bungee jumping the job of repairing it. Stan got the (unsurprisingly) and allowed quite
We get a lot of horror pictures of impression that something a long pedal travel. But, not to be
brakes, and are rarely surprised was seriously wrong when he beaten, some clever dick had tied
by them. Usually it’s something saw the elastic bungee tied an elastic bungee between the
like the first picture, which was between the brake pedal and dash and brake pedal so that it
sent in by N.T. Shaw of Louth. the dash. A flashing fluid warning did return (see third picture).
We’re sorry to say that it’s not as light confirmed it.
We don’t know why someone
bad as some we’ve seen. In fact In fact, it needed so much fluid to would go to such lengths to keep
we’ve been sent a similar picture top up the reservoir that he thought this vehicle on the road in such a
from Bill Gardner of Allround a wheel cylinder had failed. A look dangerous condition. Clearly they
Autocare, as well as from quite a underneath soon identified where have no regard for road safety.
few others. the leak was coming from and What made it even worse was
This time, however, we take a look when he removed the front wheels the presence of a child seat in
at how someone has tried a novel he found the outer pad missing the back of the vehicle.
approach to preventing brake wear and the inner one worn to the
and tear from occurring. metal and the calliper piston was The reminder sticker in the window
tied back (as in picture two). This showed that an MOT was due in
A vehicle was recovered after being latter was probably an attempt to three weeks, so perhaps they were
stopped by the police and Stan compensate for excessive pedal trying to make the brakes last a little
Lattka of Burgoyne and Sons got travel. It clearly hadn’t worked longer – but at what cost?!
Have you got a horror story to tell? Send your photos and ghastly tales to the postal address at the
front of the magazine or by email to mattersoftesting@vosa.gov.uk with the subject ‘Horror Story’.
MOT enquiries can now be made through our national contact centre: 0300 123 9000 Matters of Testing | 11HOT TIPS
The knowledge
If the cap fits...
Once upon a time, a missing
fuel cap would have been a
good reason not to drive a vehicle,
or indeed to fail the vehicle at test.
Unfortunately, it’s not quite so
straightforward nowadays, as
not all vehicles have ‘conventional’
fuel caps.
This might seem strange, but the
regulations state only that fuel
tanks must be constructed and
maintained so that leakages from Ford now uses this method on designed to prevent drivers from
the tank are adequately prevented. quite a few models, both petrol using the wrong fuel. Diesel
How that should be achieved is and diesel. All we can check at and unleaded pump nozzles
not described. MOT is that the flap is in the come in different sizes and
closed position. Don’t try to vehicle manufacturers are
Sealing automatically poke anything in to test the beginning to allow for this in
Some manufacturers are now flap, as you may damage the their designs. When the correct
using automatic sealing devices mechanism. Ford has supplied pump nozzle is inserted, a slider
incorporated into the filler neck. a diagram to help us to understand (1) is pushed back, allowing the
We first mentioned this in an article it better: release mechanism (2) to open.
about the Renault Vel Satis back As the nozzle is pushed further,
in issue 18 of MoT (January 2003) How it works a spring-loaded flap (3) is
and Ford is the latest manufacturer In effect, this works in two stages. pushed open, giving access
to introduce them to its range. The dimensions of the neck are to the second stage.
Another flap (4) is pushed open
and fuel can now flow into the
tank. When the nozzle is removed,
this flap (4) springs shut to prevent
any leakage and flap (3) springs
shut to prevent any foreign bodies
from entering the filler neck.
It might not be quite what we
expect but it is effective and
prevents spillages, which can
often occur. Given the increasing
incidents of incorrect fuelling,
we’re sure that other
manufacturers will adopt
something like this soon.
12 | Matters of TestingUPDATES
Cleaning up
in partnership
VOSA enforcement officers are at the forefront of protecting the safety of our
roads. Although they are most visible at the roadside, we take a look at the work
they do off-road.
Horror Story (see page 11) Comp proves its worth yet
Some recent, high-profile court
had been ‘tested’ in this way? again. The managers had
cases have drawn attention to
run reports on their VTSs and
the work of VOSA’s enforcement
In both these cases the AEs were reconciling these with the
officers. Although VOSA is
contacted their Area Office and accounts when they noticed a
serious about prosecuting
our VEs worked alongside the discrepancy between how many
people who knowingly put road
VTS’s management to carry out tests had been carried out, how
safety at risk, we are also here
a thorough investigation. By many slots had been used and
to provide help and support to
working in partnership a strong how many customers had paid.
those of you who need advice.
case was put together, resulting
in convictions of fraud and of After that, the managers looked
In the first case, an AE was
at which testers had carried out
found guilty of operating several issuing false documentation
the extra tests, and this enabled
VTSs illegally, by issuing MOT against the tester.
them to track down the tester
certificates for vehicles that were
in question.
not correctly tested. The owners Black marks
have now been prosecuted for Because the AEs and Site Although VOSA works alongside
several offences, including Managers, operating within the other enforcement agencies to
forgery and conspiracy MOT scheme regulations, use our full legal authority to
to defraud. prosecute when required, it is
brought these situations to
VOSA’s attention as soon as worth mentioning that these
These are serious charges, as cases are in the minority. We
remove
the risk to road safety is extremely possible, we were able to appreciate that the majority of
high when potentially lethal the testers in question from the
scheme, preventing them from VTSs provide a professional
vehicles are allowed back on MOT service.
our roads. issuing such certificates again. In
cases such as these, where it is So the message here is to
Doing the dirty clear that the AE took all study the VTS device reports.
necessary steps, there would be They provide an unparalleled
The other cases covered no question of VOSA issuing opportunity to check that
incidents of testers issuing disciplinary points against the AE. your VTS is running efficiently.
fraudulent MOT certificates. In
If you encounter any problems
some instances, the vehicle
Weeding out the culprits within your VTS, then contact
hadn’t even entered the VTS!
So, how did the issues come VOSA and work with us
Can you imagine if a vehicle like
to light? Well, this is where MOT to resolve them.
the one in this issue’s
MOT enquiries can now be made through our national contact centre: 0300 123 9000 Matters of Testing | 13n
T-BRAKE
60-second DVD: Back
Catalogue 2 –
INTERVIEW The Sequel!
Mark Evans works at the VOSA Contact Centre, That’s right - the previous Back
Catalogue proved so popular
formerly the Enquiry Unit, in the new Ellipse Building
we thought it was about time
at Swansea Marina. we did another. So here it is, our
latest epic: Back Catalogue 2 –
What kind of work do you do? What’s the most difficult call you’ve The Sequel!
had to take?
I manage a team of thirteen people. All the important bits of the
Although my main focus is my team, Technical calls are usually the most MOT Matters films from
I try to make sure that I am available difficult. Although we are trained to 2004 to 2008 are captured
to any colleagues who may need my specialise in an area, we have a saying: on just two discs. Disc one
advice and support. ‘you can be an expert in the manual but
covers practical items such
you’ll always have a blind spot’. My ‘blind
The Contact Centre takes queries on a as suspension, steering and
spot’ is brakes – questions on these give
range of topics, including MOT standards, me a cold sweat. I usually end up having a braking checks, while disc two
Single Vehicle Approval queries and Vehicle ‘conflab’ with colleagues before I come up takes you through the systems
Identity Checks. Each of the Call Centre with an answer. and procedures needed to run
teams specialises in a different subject in an efficient, modern testing
order to provide expert advice to callers. What sort of queries do you prefer? station, covering quality control,
My team covers MOT standards. VOSA’s disciplinary procedures
We find calls from testers the most
What do callers ask about most? interesting. A lot of them seem to feel that and computerisation.
they’re admitting defeat by calling us, but
Most of the technical calls we get are about Back Catalogues 1 and 2
we really enjoy these queries, as they’re
the lighting part of the MOT. We also take often unusual and properly stretch our
now capture all the information
calls from the general public – usually from knowledge. We also feed these questions you need in order to operate
people who’ve lost their MOT certificate back through to the Inspection Manual a testing station. Keep hold
and need to replace it. review team so that they can update it of these discs and you are up
accordingly and the information is shared. to date. What to do with the
What is the funniest question you’ve had
others? Well, pass them on to
to deal with?
testers, customers or any other
A caller once wanted to know which garage interested party.
had tested their car. I assumed that they
wanted to replace their MOT certificate, so If you’d like to suggest a
I asked for the registration mark and details topic for future films, email
of the car. They told me they couldn’t mattersoftesting@vosa.gov.uk
remember. It turned out they’d taken their with the subject ‘MOT Matters
car for its MOT test but couldn’t remember DVD’ or send a postcard to
which garage they’d left it at! the Editor at the address in
the front of this magazine.
On the job
Our booking section has recently Although there is indeed a Edinburgh and looked for a
received urgent requests to Queensferry near Edinburgh in training venue, but the moral
sort out problems with training Scotland, our Queensferry venue of this story is please read the
locations. In particular, there is near Wrexham in North Wales – full address before booking your
have been a large number of over 200 miles away! course, as you may find that
calls from Scottish delegates a venue is closer or farther than
who have been booked in to We don’t know if anyone has you first thought!
the Queensferry venue. travelled to Queensferry near
14 | Matters of TestingT-BRAKE
Wordsearch competition
All but one of the words and phrases below
can be read in the grid either across, down,
backwards, forwards or diagonally. The word
missing from the grid is the winning word.
Aston Martin Ford Renault
Audi Gasket Rotor
Austin Gear Rover
Chevrolet Jeep Saab
Diesel Lancia Seat
Disc brake Mercedes Benz Subaru
Dodge Motoguzzi Sump
Door Nut Tail pipe
Drum Opel Tyre
Enduro Piston Wheelbase
Send the missing word, along with your contact details, by 27 February 2009 to Competition, Matters of Testing,
VOSA, Berkeley House, Croydon Street, Bristol BS5 0DA or email them to mattersoftesting@vosa.gov.uk
The first correct entry drawn will win £20 of vouchers that can be used at several high street stores.
You’ve won!
The winner of last issue’s quiz is: Ian Davis of Weymouth. Congratulations Ian, the vouchers are winging their way to you!’
Answers to last issue’s quiz:
1. Electronic Brakeforce Distribution 2. Tightening nuts or studs to the correct tension 3. Maserati 4. McLaren 5. Gran
Turismo Injection/Grand Touring Injection 6. Sparkford, Somerset 7. 315ft (96m) 8. Porsche 356 9. It is a device that
blends air and fuel for an internal combustion engine 10. They are arranged in a ‘W’ formation, rather than the usual ‘V’.
MOT enquiries can now be made through our national contact centre: 0300 123 9000 Matters of Testing | 15You can also read
