With the amount of MOT testers disqualified on the rise, as reported on PMM ’s website recently, we thought we should hear from DVSA to see what they are doing to tackle the problem.
Here, DVSA’s head of regulatory services and transformation, Caroline Hicks, outlines the lengths the organisation is going to to prevent MOT fraud.
The MOT is valuable in keeping the roads safe and minimising the negative effects transport has on air quality. The test being done to the right standard is essential for maintaining the integrity of the MOT.
Most test stations and testers carry out the MOT test to the necessary standard. We are really grateful for the professional nature of these, often small, businesses doing this work on behalf of the government. However, we know that some test stations do not carry out the MOT appropriately either through fraudulent intent, or through carelessness. DVSA is committed to dealing with that.
Recently released statistics (700 testers have been disqualified in the past two years) show how our approach to catching those that choose not to do things correctly has really paid dividends – and we would hope that they act as a warning to any other garages out there that may be flaunting the rules. Those garages and testers deliberately or flagrantly not following the rules – such as passing vehicles when they have not been tested – must understand that their behaviour is not acceptable – and they will be caught. We are getting better at catching those not doing things right!
Advances in technology, connected equipment and the additional data we receive helps us to identify where risks may occur at garages. We identify and investigate problems at test stations and with individual testers.
As well as identifying these patterns remotely, we also conduct a variety of physical interventions – for example, mystery shopper exercises or, where necessary, surveillance operations.
Under investigation
It is these individuals and businesses who we target to prevent them allowing unsafe and environmentally damaging vehicles on our roads. This also plays a part in supporting the industry and ensures that no one is unfairly disadvantaged by the greed and criminality of the dangerous few individuals seeking to dupe the system. We have increased our capability and capacity to investigate serious fraud and criminal activity using advanced technology and data analysis – and the statistics show it is working.
In the most serious cases, we will prosecute and ban testers or those that manage garages from the MOT. We are determined to ensure vehicles are receiving high quality roadworthiness checks (MOTs) to help keep Britain’s roads among the safest in the world.
In cases where tests are not being carried out to a good enough standard we will investigate. If we identify shortcomings in the delivery of these tests, and we determine it to be a resolvable or minor quality issue we will work with testers and stations to educate and enable the delivery of MOT tests.
We are fortunate to have so many compliant, trustworthy, and honest garages who deliver the MOT safely. We are fully committed to tackling and removing those in the MOT industry who undermine road safety and the integrity of the scheme.
If you believe there is an MOT tester who is committing fraud, we would be grateful to hear from you. We aim to investigate in all cases and will respond to any evidence supplied proportionately. For those managing garages and involved in testing, there is a wealth of guidance material on gov.uk on what is expected – including the MOT Testing Guide and the Testers’ Manual.
