IAAF warns trade on MoT changes
Mobilising test stations vital MoT station owners are being urged to support the IAAF’s work in countering government threats to reduce the frequency of MoT tests. Since July 2010, when Earl Atlee let slip the government’s inclination to move from the present system of testing vehicles three years after registration and annually thereafter, to a fourth year initial test and every two years thereafter, the IAAF has been pressing ministers and officials in the Department for Transport to allow the industry to present its case to retain the current format. However, despite the adverse affect on business investment and on VOSA’s roll-out of automated test lane facilities, the Department has dithered on issuing the necessary consultative papers. “This delay is surely not going to continue,” said IAAF Garage Committee Chairman Jonas Zambakides, “but we need to be ready to lobby government, officials and MPs to make sure that these proposals are not adopted. MoT station businesses will need to participate in the process of arguing against any frequency extension.” The IAAF is inviting MoT station owners to join the Federation’s lobbying effort, in preparation for what they describe as a ‘blitz’ of letters and emails when the consultation papers are released. “For a £20 registration fee, MoT stations can become ‘lobbying support’ members of the IAAF,” explained chief executive Brian Spratt. We will then keep them in touch with the progress of our lobbying on their behalf and, at the appropriate time, provide them with all the necessary tools to give their views. This will be through pre-prepared letters and emails, and web-based petitions,” he said. Leaflets introducing the new ‘lobby support’ offer are appearing this week inside ‘Aftermarket’ magazine, and the IAAF wants its distributors to use them in encouraging their customers to join the campaign. Current, full, members of the IAAF are automatically included in the lobby support programme. IAAF opposition to the potential change focuses on the detrimental effects on road safety and the environment but, obviously, members also have a commercial aspect which affects them seriously. “The last government looked at this change just two years’ ago,” commented Jonas Zambakides, “and they rightly decided that having 46 more people killed each year was unacceptable. It’s not just the deaths; what about those seriously injured and perhaps disabled for life? The cost to society in road safety terms is just too much.” “We know many motorists only have their vehicles serviced in preparation for the MoT,” said Brian Spratt. “How much extra pollution will be generated from vehicles that have not been checked and adjusted for two years? We’re happy to discuss improvements to the test with the Department for Transport, but reducing the frequency would be a retrograde step.” ends For further information or any media matters, regarding the IAAF please contact Gary Barak at chicane Suite 588 Eastside Complex, Pinewood Studios, Buckinghamshire. SL0 0NH. Tel: 01753 650004 or Email: gary@chicanemarketing.co.uk
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