18-06-07 VOSA Reduces Need for MOT Emergency Testing
VOSA and Siemens launched a new MOT Computerisation business continuity procedure over the weekend which will make the need to invoke Emergency Testing (ET) extremely rare. Stand Alone Testing (SAT) allows garages to continue to test vehicles and issue standard documentation in the event of short-term database unavailability.
Under the new system test results are recorded onto the VTS device as normal where they are stored locally. They are then automatically uploaded once the central database recovers. This new functionality was trialled in 10 garages in the Leeds and Coventry areas before being rolled out nationally over the weekend.
Stand Alone Testing has not replaced Emergency Testing, but its availability should reduce the need to declare ET as often as before.
How does SAT work?
When a problem with Siemens Central Services is detected, the system goes into SAT mode automatically and relevant information is displayed on the screen. The tester proceeds as normal and the appropriate documentation is printed, along with an advisory notice explaining to the customer that they may not be able to re-licence the vehicle for about an hour. Site copies of all documents are also produced and these must be retained at the garage in case they are required for later reference.
Once Siemens Central Services are restored, the VTS Device automatically uploads all stored data relating to SAT tests.
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NOTES TO EDITOR:
Background
There are many benefits of the MOT Computerisation programme, but the four main ones are:
Improved standards of testing. The ability to monitor the performance of AEs, AE nominees and VTS will help to improve the standard and consistency of testing. Testers will also be provided with information specific to the make and model of vehicle they are about to test.
Reduction in certificate theft, fraud and forgery. A new receipt style certificate is printed at the end of the test, eliminating the need for pre-printed pads of certificates.
Improved consumer protection. Prospective vehicle purchasers can, with the owner’s permission, check both its MOT status and MOT history, including the recorded mileage at each MOT throughout its lifetime. As stated above, there will also be fewer forged documents in circulation.
Improved administration of the MOT scheme. The increased data available on the 30m+ MOT tests conducted annually will enable VOSA to target enforcement and educational/advisory activities more effectively.
VOSA users are able to access the system both via their existing network and remotely, and vehicle data is passed between the DVLA database and the system each day. The data passed from DVLA to the MOT database when a vehicle is tested includes:
• The Vehicle Registration Mark (i.e. the numberplate)
• The Vehicle Identification Number (i.e. the chassis number)
• The make of the vehicle (e.g. Ford)
• The model (e.g. Mondeo Ghia)
• The colour of the vehicle
• The engine capacity
• The type of fuel it runs on (e.g. petrol, etc)
VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) is responsible for:
• Processing applications for licences to operate lorries and buses and registering bus services
• Operating and administering testing schemes for all vehicles, including the supervision of the MOT testing scheme
• Enforcing the law on vehicles to ensure that they comply with legal standards and regulations
• Enforcing drivers' hours and licensing requirements
• Supporting Traffic Commissioners to help them make informed decisions on operator licensing, vocational drivers and bus registration requirements
• Providing training and advice for commercial operators
• Investigating vehicle accidents, defects and recalls.
For media enquiries about VOSA, please contact: Henry Norman on 0117 954 3438 / henry.norman@vosa.gov.uk or Zita Galambosi on 0117 954 2561 / zita.galambosi@vosa.gov.uk
Page last updated: 18/06/2007