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SMMT attacks lack of UK registration scheme
Page 12
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By Roanna Avison THE SOCIETY OF Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has criticised the Government's decision not to introduce a trailer registration scheme.
With the introduction of Whole Vehicle Type Approval (WVTA) in April next year. the SMMT believes it is the ideal opportunity to introduce a full registration programme for trailers.
However, in the consultation document on WVTA, which closed two weeks ago, the Department for Transport says it will adopt a twopronged approach for ensuring trailers comply with the regulations.
Small trailers that are not subject to Vosa testing will have point-of-sale control. The retailer selling the trailer will have to provide an associated approval certificate from the manufacturer. For large trailers, which will be tested by Vosa annually, the manufacturer or retailer will have to provide Vosa in Swansea with a copy of the approval certificate, following which Vosa will confirm acceptance.
But SMMT manager for commercial vehicle affairs Robin Dickeson is not happy with the proposals.
"The UK and Greece are the only countries in Europe that do not have trailer registration and it doesn't make sense not to.
"With WVTA, there still needs to be checks that the trailer has the correct approval.
"The Government's half-hearted approach just creates bureaucracy."
Dickeson adds Vosa will still hold a database of the approved trailers, but it will not be part of the DVLA database and will not be available to the police.
"Under this proposal, trailers will not be given a registration number that can be readily available to the police and will help combat crime."