Logistics UK Responds to MOT Date Change Consultation

In response to government’s consultation on the timeframe for MOT tests for light vehicles which closed on 22 March, Logistics UK is holding its position on retaining the current system where the first date a vehicle should be MOT tested is at three years after registration and every year thereafter. Implementing a one-year increase would not be applicable for high mileage vehicles, and would be a detrimental move for vans as they are classified within the same road regulations as cars.

Logistics UK supports the proposal to improve the emissions test as the current method does not check for particulates, which are now identified as a concern to health. The business group asks that this be introduced with a responsible period of notice and recommends a timeframe of 12-18 months to give Logistics UK members enough time to prepare. a number of public bodies.”

Robert Evans, CEO at Cenex, said, “Cenex and DAF’s partnership on this EV Rally will showcase the recent evolutions in battery electric truck technology and really test the distribution of public charging for commercial and heavy goods vehicles.

“We also hope it will raise awareness of the research and findings from the Battery Electric Truck Trial so that fleet managers and drivers can make informed decisions in the future. The EV Rally is the ideal combination of collaboration and innovation that aligns with our mission of promoting and developing zero emission transport and infrastructure.”

In June 2021, DAF Trucks was awarded funding under the SBRI ZE Road Freight Competition to deploy and undertake research on the performance of 20 DAF LF Electric trucks. Cenex, the nonprofit research and consultancy organisation focused on low emission transport and associated energy infrastructure, partnered with DAF Trucks to lead the study aspects of the research. A key focus of the research and study aspect was to develop a website tool to promote and educate fleet owners on electric truck adoption. This website is already helping highlight learnings from the trial to help remove barriers to adoption of electric trucks. For the BETT, including live project data –https://bett.cenex.co.uk/

The movement of 4.25 tonne alternatively fuelled vans back into the car/van MOT scheme is supported by Logistics UK, due to the vehicle type remaining the same and the change of category (N1 to N2) only being brought forward in response to the accommodation of the heavier weight of the batteries. Logistics UK is in favour of the additional training of MOT testers and changes to the annual test to fully account for electric and hybrid vehicles, as they are already on the highways and included within road strategies. Phil Lloyd, Head of Engineering Policy at Logistics UK, comments: “As we continue to see more major developments in vehicle technology, it is vital that road policy advances alongside to keep our members compliant and safe. Logistics UK agrees that sections of the current MOT system need to be reviewed and amended to reflect industry’s progression and hopes to see our asks implemented into a new system.”