Autotech Training has announced it has launched a web-based tool to help MOT stations remain compliant.
Autotech Training has launched MOTsafe – a web based platform which will help MOT Site Managers and garage owners improve MOT Testing standards and help them remain compliant. A simple-to-use online tool, MOTsafe analyses and simplifies DVSA data and is set to save busy garage owners significant time. It will be particularly valuable to those managing multiple sites.
Providing a snapshot of all the vital data of everything relating to MOTs via a highly visual dashboard, MOTsafe will help managers quickly identify any high risk issues and enable them to gather evidence for the DVSA to safeguard compliancy.
The dashboard includes a traffic light system which provides a risk measure regarding all areas – from MOT testing time length, CPD, calibration and quality control – it effectively provides total quality management.
“MOTsafe is aimed at busy MOT Site Managers who need to provide evidence of best practice and continuous improvement in the way they conduct MOT tests,” comments Colin Gleghorn, Managing Director of Autotech Training.
“Whether you are an Independent VTS or part of a large group, MOTsafe is truly access all areas and provides the right information, in the right format to the right person, in real-time, helping you stay compliant and keep on testing.”
MOTsafe can be purchased as a standalone product or as part of an audit service.
A narrow escape
Autotech Training has helped a family run vehicle garage, operating eight sites, narrowly avoid the closure of its 100-year-old business due to a rogue MOT tester.
The company owners were first alerted to the seriousness of the situation when they received a disciplinary action letter from the DVSA, which stated that they were facing a five year company-wide ban – leaving the company with a possible loss of over £7.5 million.
An investigation revealed that an MOT tester, employed by the company, had carried out an MOT test over a weekend and falsified information to pass the test, which was performed on a vehicle not part of the site’s brand remit. In addition, the site in question did not have a site manager in situ.
After spotting the issue on the MOT testing station’s data, the DVSA immediately visited the site, where a lack of SM only made things worse.
Autotech’s Colin Gleghorn: “There were several red flags which the testing station should have spotted. If spotted immediately, they would have had time to respond and alert the DVSA, negating any serious action. This essentially illustrates the fact that complacency doesn’t equal compliance. The only misdemeanour on the part of the garage was not looking at the MOT data frequently enough and checking emissions print outs as part of their routine.”
To remain compliant, a VTS needs to ensure that their MOT tester data is regularly reviewed with a Site Manager appointed to manage this process.
Acting on behalf of the company, Autotech immediately investigated and compiled evidence: “It is vital that, when responding to such serious allegations, the right language is used, and the correct procedures implemented.”
The MOT tester’s employment was immediately terminated by the company and all Site Managers across the business were put on a two day IMI course.
Organised and delivered by Autotech Training, the course was held onsite at one of the company’s garages to raise awareness and help the site managers remain compliant in the future. As a result of Autotech Training’s intervention and support, the company avoided a full closure, but they were still given a five year suspended sentence, enabling them to continue trading.
