July/August 2021

L ooking at the impact of recent MOT policy on the sector, IGA Head of Member Services Frank Harvey said: “The last 18 months have presented the independent garage sector with some very specific challenges, not least of which has been the dilemma associated with the government’s messaging. Most notably, the message that ‘garages are vital to the nations mobility and can therefore stay open’ was almost immediately contradicted by the introduction of the MOT exemption. This removed significant volumes of work from garages overnight, creating the dilemma of should they stay open or should they close? “The IGA lobbied government on this, citing the issue garages have faced over recent months and how it will replicate itself over the same period for many years to come. We know that there are no less MOTs to be completed in any 12-month period. However, it is the peaks and troughs created by the MOT exemption that presents the difficulties. With around a 70% reduction in MOTs required for April and May this year and around 25% in June, the income for garages is significantly impacted. Counter this with the fact those numbers move to September, October and November in terms of increased demand, and therein lies a problem; Being able to increase capacity to handle the spike in demand is not a simple matter and, as we saw last year, results in long waiting times for MOT appointments, customer frustration and potentially vehicles being used without a valid MOT. Many garages are taking advantage of the drop in MOT demand in May and June to get their testers’ Annual Training and Assessment completed early to avoid the rush at the end of the testing year.” Then there’s connected equipment: “Despite the challenges as discussed, DVSA are pushing ahead with their drive to increase the adoption of connected equipment used for MOTs. This began in October 2019 when roller brake testers were required to be connected for new MOT stations or those replacing old equipment, and decelerometers followed from February 2020. For certain test classes, last month we saw diesel smoke testers and exhaust gas analysers added to that list, with headlamp beam testers next up on a date yet to be confirmed.” Frank added: “Never before has the role of independent garages been so challenging and their place in providing safe mass mobility so evident, nor the reliance of both legislators and the motoring public on garages’ adaptability to respond to all these challenges. To find out how the IGA can support your garage business with any unexpected or day-to-day challenges that come your way, visit www.IndependentGarageAssociation.co.uk 46 AFTERMARKET JULY/AUGUST 2021 MOT www.aftermarketonline.net MOT testing businesses continue to reel from the impact of the exemption, as the DVSA connectivity roll-out continues SHIFTING PATTERNS FIXED RESPONSIBILITIES Requirements Also commenting on the situation, GEA Chief Executive Julian Woods said: “The GEA administer and maintain the lists of DVSA-approved equipment for use in MOT testing. This includes, emission testers (gas and smoke) roller brake testers, plate brake testers, decelerometers, headlight testers, tyre tread depth gauges, axle play detectors, towing socket testers (13pin) and brake pedal depressors. Following the recent updates in requirements by the DVSA, namely the move to connected test equipment, this list has gone through a lot of changes. Those looking to source MOT equipment are strongly urged to check its approval status before buying.” The new list of equipment approved for MOT testing can be found on the GEA website. In addition, the list has now been colour-coded to enable quick-reference. Julian explained: “Green means currently approved, so equipment listed here can be sourced and used in MOT testing both within current MOT sites and new applicants to the MOT scheme. Amber denotes equipment that does not meet the latest DVSA requirements or is no longer supplied by the OEM supplier. If amber equipment already in an existing MOT site is working and calibrated, you can continue to use it. However, if your equipment is in amber, then it would not be acceptable for new applicants to the MOT scheme and would not be acceptable to be used for MOT testing if the business is sold as an ongoing concern. Lastly, red equipment is not to be used for MOT testing as it does not meet DVSA requirements and should be replaced as soon as possible.”