GEA Chief Executive Julian Woods observed: “We are still awaiting the outcome of the 2023 Government’s public consultation on the future of the MOT. We all know that the consultation has caused some unease within the industry, but even without knowing what the consultation findings are, businesses need to be looking at the future and how they can optimise to make themselves more competitive. “The DVSA offers two different MOT models for testing Class 4 & 7. The first is the standard MOT site which requires an MOT Tester and an assistant. The other type is via an automatic test lane (ATL) or one-person test lane (OPTL). Here, the MOT test can be conducted by one person thus, no need to employ an assistant. An investment in new equipment will soon pay you back with reduced operating costs.” Julian continued: “Another way to help grow your business and bottom line is to draw in more customers. Discounting is not really an option here as the MOT industry is already very competitive and it seems there is always somebody offering it cheaper down the road. Instead, look to expand the classes of testing you can provide. In many cases you may be able to include Class 2 & 3, scooters and motorcycles, within the same footprint as your existing MOT bay. “You could also adopt connected MOT equipment. Although this does not save much time during the physical test, it certainly adds value when it comes to entering the data into the MTS terminal as with connected MOT equipment. Current connected equipment includes roller 34 AFTERMARKET FEBRUARY 2024 MOT www.aftermarketonline.net brake testers, decelerometers, smoke meters and petrol gas analysers. The results are transferred directly, saving time and avoiding potential typing errors.” Julian added: “Even without any changes from the 2023 MOT consultation, the future will be prosperous for those MOT businesses willing to invest.” Efficiency Chris Pleass, a member of the MOT team at ISN Garage Assist, who also sits on the MOT Steering Group at the GEA, observed: “There is no doubt that the DVSA is keen to modernise the MOT scheme, but we don’t see major changes to requirements in the short-term.” Commenting on the MOT connectivity roll-out, Chris observed: “Plans to introduce new connected headlamp testers have been paused due to concerns over costs of implementation. That being said, things are still moving forward, with trials taking place on the use of ANPR cameras, which will speed up access to specific vehicle data. Work also continues on testing electronic parking brakes. In fact, ISN Garage Assist already has access to brake testers capable of testing them. It is not required, as part of the MOT test yet but some garages are opting for the equipment when upgrading their existing brake tester, as a way of future-proofing their facility.” On the question of test frequency he said: “While we believe the idea of 4-2-2 has been shelved, there is still some momentum behind the idea of 4-1-1. The industry is against any change which increases the risk of dangerous cars on our roads and there are still plenty of company car drivers racking up 30,000 miles or more each year.” KEEPING UP WITH TECHNOLOGY Following 2023’s MOT Consultation, for which we still await a result, questions remain over what direction the Test may be going in
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ0NzM=