DOT drops threat of axle test fees
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• Plans to introduce an axle surcharge on the cost of the annual test have been dropped as part of a Department of Transport rethink of the fee structure.
The decision to drop the threatened V.50-per-axle charge comes as the DOT goes out to consultation on the cost of annual tests — for the second time this summer.
The latest consultation document is expected to suggest that all test fees should be increased to cover the cost of the smoke emission test which becomes part of the annual test from I September.
It is not yet known when the consultation period will start or how long it will last.
Although the immediate prospect of an axle surcharge has faded, the DOT may suggest the issue goes to consultation again at a later date.
The change of heart follows pressure from the Freight Transport Association and Road Haulage Association who feared that operators running multimded vehicles would be unfairly penalised. The suggested axle surcharge and smoke test charge would have increased the annual test fee by 6.6%; they were expected to be implemented from 28 September.
From 1 September the Vehicle Inspectorate will offer a smoke test to operators wishing to find out if their vehicles meet emission standards before their annual test. The test will cost £7.50 and will be available at 91 testing stations.
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