The Government’s Latest Updates On MOT Testing
The most recent updates from the Government regarding MOT Testing will be to improve emissions testing for diesel vehicles, (known as PN testing) and new ways that the government will be using and sharing its data. Earlier in the year the government had run a cameras in garages trial with the 2nd phase being planned for May but has now been paused for a later period which we will discuss the reasons for later on in the article.
If you are looking for MOTs in Tunbridge Wells then look no further. Get in touch with our team today!
The Governments Piloting Of Particulate Number Testing In Garages
In European countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, particulate number testing has become a mandatory part of the MOT testing of diesel cars with the UK government aiming to follow with their latest trial. Research conducted by the DFT (Department For Transport) has identified that this is an effective solution for identifying removed or damaged DPFs (diesel particulate filters) as opposed to current testing processes.
Why the Government has been so keen on trialing the use of particulate number testing for MOTs because of the harmful effects these diesel particles can have on air pollution and human health. Current UK diesel emissions testing only measures the density of smoke emitted from the vehicle, not the size or quantity of the particles from the smoke, so adopting the PN testing method should prove much more effective overall.
Details Of The Particulate Number Testing Trial
The trial will involve working with 10 garages of various sizes over the coming months to trial different models of PN testing equipment. Once the Government has collected enough data on all different testing equipment, they will then analyze and assess whether introducing them into UK MOT testing and which ones will be most suitable.
The Cameras In Garages Trial
Another one of the Government's recent trials has been to investigate and trial the use of connected cameras in garages for MOT testing. This type of technology allows testers at garages to be able to use a device, such as a mobile phone or tablet, to take a photo of the vehicle number plate and be able to upload it directly to the MTS (MOT Testing Service).
There were plans for the 2nd phase trial to begin in May but the Government has stated that this will now be moved to a later date as there is some enabling security work that needs to be completed first. Security issues such as virus threats or other bugs need to be taken into consideration and a solution put in place to protect the MTS site when images are being uploaded which is why the 2nd phase will be happening at a later point.
Improving Safety Recalls Data
One thing the Government has been working on in order to make communication to motorists more efficient is improving safety recalls data. Although recall information is provided on the Governments ‘check MOT history service’. The data available isn’t real time. To make real-time recall data more available for motorists the Governement has announced that it is working with manufacturers to get real time updates from these manufacturers in order for them to improve digital services for motorists.
If you woul like to know any more about any of the new MOT testing trials that have been carried out or new recall improvements the Government is working on, then you can visit https://www.gov.uk/ or speak to our team today.
Written on 2nd August 2023