RMIF demands earlier MoTs for three-tonne vehicles
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iarLtonkinfarbi.co.uk THE RETAIL MOTOR Industry Federation (RMIF) is calling for Class 7 (3-tonne to 3.5-tonne G VW vans and chassis cab) vehicles to have mandatory MoTs every year from the date of their first registration, The RMIF's call is in response to recent VOSA statistics on van MoT failure rates.
David Grant. chairman of the federation's National Franchised Dealer Association truck committee, says: "The first-time pass rate for Class 7 vehicles has consistently worsened over the past few years, with the most recently published failure rates from VOSA being 45.6%.
-The RMIF is concerned about the effect these vehicles are having on road safety" He adds: "While cars and light commercial vehicles (Class 4) have an average mileage of 60,000 at their first testing after three years, Class 7 commercial vehicles average around 107,000 miles.This difference leads to a rise in undetected mechanical problems being reflected in these rates. As a result, we are proposing that Class 7 vehicles are required to have an MoT after their first year in operation.earlier than other less intensively-used vehicles."
The RMIF is aware trade bodies will express concern over the proposal, particularly around extra costs. but Grant says: "We strongly believe that something needs to change to reverse the failure rates. "It is noticeable that HGV MoT pass rates [when presented to VOSA by RMIF members] are in excess of 90% —potentially halving the risk to other road users:" He adds: "We work in a litigious environment — directors and owners and drivers of Class 7 vehicles involved in road accidents face the risk of personal prosecution in the event a vehicle is proven to be unroadworthy."
• Let us know what you think. Email: ian.tonkin@rbi.co.uk