Copyright dailyrecord
The DVSA has announced more details about a major change to MOT tests , expanding a trial of a new anti-fraud measure. The new policy involves testers taking a photograph of the vehicle undergoing its MOT , which will then be uploaded to the digital MOT Testing Service. The aim of this initiative is to verify that the vehicle has indeed been to the garage, in an effort to prevent 'ghost MOTs'. These occur when an MOT certificate is issued without the vehicle having undergone the annual inspection. A previous trial saw 170 MOT testers across 62 garages snapping pictures of cars and other vehicles using mobile phones or tablets. Following the success of the trial, the DVSA has confirmed plans to expand the project. A spokesperson for the DVSA said: "While only a small number of testers and garages are involved in MOT fraud, it does happen and puts our roads at risk. DVSA wants to create a level playing field for all and we've taken action, helping to reassure drivers that their vehicle's MOT will be conducted to the correct standard. "Alongside investigation of potential instances of MOT fraud our recent Photos of Vehicles at MOT trial has shown real promise so far and we're excited to roll it out further." The department emphasised that driving without a valid MOT is "illegal and dangerous". The group said unroadworthy vehicles pose a higher risk of causing accidents or delays on the road, thereby endangering other road users. The organisation said: "DVSA examiners carry out intelligence led enforcement activity to ensure the integrity of the MOT scheme. Enforcement teams use a variety of sources of information including these photographs to inform our investigations of MOT fraud which if proven can lead to MOT testers and garages being suspended or removed from the scheme or lead to a prosecution." The trial's second stage will see 244 garages capturing images of motors undergoing their MOT. When questioned whether motorists would be informed if their vehicle was being photographed, the DVSA responded: "There is no requirement for the driver or vehicle presenter to be notified when images are captured during an MOT test. "This activity is part of the standard process of registering a vehicle for test, during which various details of the vehicle's identity are verified and recorded in the MOT Testing Service." However, if you're curious whether your motor might be snapped, there's a specific indicator to watch for. The DVSA clarified: "All authorised testing stations taking part in the trial have been required to display an updated VT9A fees and appeal poster which contains information about images being taken." This notice outlines the costs associated with securing an MOT and details the retest and appeals process. The DVSA was also questioned about whether drivers could get copies of the photographs taken or request for them to be deleted. The authority said: "Drivers or vehicle presenters can't request copies of MOT-related images or to have them deleted. "However, all images are automatically deleted after a retention period of 13 months unless retained to be used as evidence in any legal or similar proceedings."
