Vehicle Testing

HC Deb 29 July 1974 vol 878 cc53-5W

Mr. Campbell

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement on the review of the MOT test.

Mr. Mulley

Yes. Following a thorough review of all aspects of the MOT test carried out in consultation with interested organisations, I have decided that a major increase in the resources devoted to vehicle testing would not be justified but that a number of valuable improvements should be made. Accordingly, I do not propose to make changes in the basic structure of the system either by setting up Government testing stations or by adding greatly to the items covered by the test. As a consequence, there will be no drastic reduction in the number of authorised examiners, and I am now prepared to consider new applications for authorisation. I shall announce shortly the form in which applications should be made.

In order to improve the efficiency and consistency of testing, I propose to make the following changes:

1. By 1st June 1979 all authorised examiners will be required to have a wider range of equipment than at present. The principal addition will be a roller brake tester, which will permit the test to be carried out without a road test. These requirements will be applied forthwith to new applicants for authorisation; relaxations will be allowed in remote rural areas.

2. By 1st June 1979 all persons carrying out tests will have to have attended a suitable training course.

3. Vehicles capable of carrying more than 12 passengers will be required to be tested at my Department's heavy goods vehicle testing stations.

4. For the convenience of fleet operators, the Department's testing stations will also be authorised to test light goods vehicles if they have spare capacity.

5. The test certificate will be redesigned to show what has been tested, and with what result.

6. In view of the importance of the driver's vision, the functioning of windscreen wipers and washers will be added to the test. Likewise, in view of the importance of informing other road users of the driver's intentions, direction indicators and stoplights will be added to the items checked.

7. A check that the silencer and exhaust system is in good condition and is properly attached will be included in the test.

8. The requirements prescribed in the test will be redefined to show more clearly the scope of the test affecting chassis and suspension.

9. A revised edition of the "Tester's Manual" will be produced.

Draft regulations needed to implement some of these changes will be circulated for comment by interested organisations as soon as possible.

I shall make a further statement in due course about the test fee.