October 4, 2023
As the owner of a MOT bay, the constant evolution of vehicle regulations is nothing short of a head-spinning experience. The latest twist in the tale involves the UK government’s decision in 2018, yes 2018 ! to permit licensed drivers to operate vehicles weighing up to 4.25 tons, an increase from the previous limit of 3.5 tons. While on the surface, this seemed like a logical step to accommodate changing transportation needs, the ensuing developments have left MOT bay owners, like myself, in a state of bewilderment.
The crux of the matter lies in the exemption granted to these new 4.25-ton electric vehicles from the operators’ licensing requirements. On paper, it looks like a massive win for the electric vehicle market, encouraging manufacturers to produce these larger, greener alternatives. However, the road to adoption is proving to be a bumpy one.
Recent reports indicate that fleet buyers, initially enthusiastic about the prospect of embracing these environmentally friendly 4.25-ton electric vans, are cancelling orders. The reason behind this sudden change of heart is tied to the discrepancy between promised and actual ranges. The vehicles, once on the road, are falling short of the impressive range figures initially touted by manufacturers. It’s a classic case of expectation versus reality, and businesses are feeling the impact on their bottom line. Not to mention the impressively low actual payload that you can carry and all the poor drivers getting under the cosh by DVSA roadside weighbridge checks ( funny how they are good at that and not so good at working to evolve MOT testing process )
Adding to the confusion is the apparent lack of communication between different government departments. While the Department for Transport initiated a consultation process (Q1 2023) in response to the challenges arising from the new regulations and issues with electric vehicle range, concrete changes are yet to materialise, in fact any mention of an outcome is still apparently a mystery to those of us who run the actual MOT bays. It raises the question: do these departments speak to one another, or are they navigating their own lanes without coordinating with fellow decision-makers?
For a MOT bay owner like me, this regulatory ambiguity raises numerous concerns. The foremost among them is the impending need for equipment upgrades. The current MOT equipment is calibrated and designed for vehicles within the 3.5-ton limit. With the shift in regulations, it becomes imperative to question whether there will be enough time to adapt our facilities to accommodate the larger 4.25-ton vehicles.
Moreover, the lag in regulatory decisions puts MOT equipment manufacturers in a predicament. Will they have the foresight to develop and produce equipment compatible with the new regulations before they become mandatory? The uncertainty surrounding these developments is a significant source of stress for MOT bay owners who find themselves caught between the evolving industry landscape and the constraints of existing infrastructure.
As we grapple with these questions, the interconnectedness of these issues becomes more apparent. The government’s push for greener transport options, while commendable, needs to be aligned with the practical realities faced by businesses and MOT service providers. Only then can the transition to a new era of vehicle regulations be smooth and beneficial for all stakeholders involved.
In the meantime, MOT bay owners are left in a state of flux ( bangs head against wall ) wondering if the government departments will synchronise their efforts and provide clear, actionable guidelines. The clock is ticking, and the automotive landscape is changing rapidly. As we await decisive action, my hope is that the road ahead becomes clearer, and MOT bay owners can adapt seamlessly to the evolving demands of an environmentally conscious transportation future… and at a realistic price point! .. no MOT price increase since April 2010
Barry – MOT Juice
