0 . We are wholesale fruit merchants
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operating several vans on multi-stop collection and delivery work within a 25mile radius, but very occasionally outside this ring. To our knowledge these vehicles never operate on motorways, hence are always legally restricted to 40 mph.
Recently we sent in an application form (VTG .1) for the Ministry of Transport Plating and Testing Scheme covering one of these vehicles. In answer to question 16, which asks for a categorization of type of operation, we deleted all but the third type viz.'multi-stop collection and delivery services at all times at speeds not in excess of 40 mph and only within a radius of 25 miles from the permanent base from which the vehicle is normally used.
Although the van in question is completely standard and has full tyre equipment, upon receipt of the plating certificate we were surprised to find that the vehicle is now restricted to operating within 25 miles only—the "only" being underlined. Presumably if the van strays beyond the radius the plating certificate does not apply, the test certificate is automatically cancelled, and consequently the insurance is rendered invalid.
Is our future answer to appili for unrestricted use?
AIf your vehicle fully meets manufacturer's specification regarding tyre equipment it is good policy to categorize operation as being "without restriction of speed other than statutory speed limits-. You do not then commit yourself to any speed or mileage restriction. The third category of question 16 is applicable where an operator is using a local vehicle with tyres which would normally be deemed inadequate to support the design axle weight and normal plated weight. Providing the operator accepts the stated restrictions as to speed and operating radius the vehicle will be plated for the weight stated in the Standard Lists. Of course the tyres of such a vehicle must meet certain minimum requirements and these are contained in table 2J of The Tyre and Wheel Engineering Manual, published by the SM MT and the Ministry of Transport, Supplementary Tyre Loading Table GPI?, priced 2s 6d from HMSO.
It would appear that the Ministry has taken more account of your completion of the form, than the actual tyres fitted to your vehicle. In fairness, however, question 16, category 3, does emphatically state limitations applicable at all times and does not even suggest that occasional use may be made outside the 25-mile radius.
Your experience highlights the very strict accuracy needed when filling in official forms which do not lend themselves to any degree of flexibility in interpretation. One must always be exact.
Though there is a standard system laid down for dealing with appeals against the decisions of vehicle examiners we feel that a quiet word with your testing station manager should help remedy your position.