INSPECTIONS
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QWhat is the difference between two-yearly inspection and calibration, and why is the inspection not yearly, as for an MOT? CRP, Leatherhead AMany clients miss the two-yearly inspections because they think that the inspection is automatic at the annual test — not so. The MOT test does not take the tachograph into account, unless it is not working, because it is also the vehicle's speedometer. It is difficult to understand why this is so when you think that the Regulations (EC 3821/85 Annexe 1) state that the periodic checks (at least every two-years) can be carried out with roadworthiness testing of vehicles.
All the inspection consists of is checking to see: 0 That the equipment is working properly; O That the equipment carries the type approved mark; G That the installation plaque is attached; O That the seals on the equipment and other parts of the installation are intact; G The actual circumference of the tyres.
Calibration is every six years, which is preposterous given the potential mileage which leads to wear and therefore inaccuracies. This test makes sure the instrument complies with Chapter 3 (F) 3 on the maximum tolerances in use, which are: O Distance travelled: 4% more or less than the real distance, where that distance is at least one kilometre; O Speed: 6km/h more or less then the real speed; 0 Time: +/— two minutes per day or +1— 10 minutes per seven days.
This obviously requires specialist equipment. The Vehicle Inspectorate are professional people and one would have thought that they would have welcomed taking on the periodic inspections.