IGA SECURES ACCESS TO DATA

After years of negotiations, the Independent Garage Association has unlocked security information barriers for UK independent garages, ensuring audited garage operators and their authorised employees will have access to Security-related Repair and Maintenance Information (SERMI) to the same level enjoyed by their European counterparts.

The IGA will oversee the UK scheme on a not-for-profit basis, ensuring that access is affordable for all garage businesses. The SERMI scheme is embedded in EU law and will launch on a rolling basis, country by country beginning on 1 October. The RMI’s ISO company, RMI Standards and Certification (RMISC) is also planning to launch the scheme in the UK on that date.

IGA Chief Executive Stuart James said: “After many years of negotiations over access to security-related information, progress has finally been made. The IGA has broken through the barriers to secure access to the SERMI scheme in a post-Brexit Britain.”

Government proposals poses higher safety risks to motorists and other road users. Delaying vehicle inspections may lead to higher repair costs for motorists who may not know that dangerous faults are developing with their vehicles.

In addition, DVSA data shows that the failure rate on tyres at first MOT of three years is higher on Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) than on diesel vehicles. Fifty-seven percent of all electric vehicles that fail their first MOT test, fail on tyres, compared with 35 percent of diesel vehicles and 37 percent of petrol vehicles tested.

IAAF is writing to the Government, calling on them to at least give an indication of their proposals following the MOT consultation.

The SERMI scheme will accredit vetted independent garages and their vetted employees to access manufacturer technical information on security systems such as keys and ECU coding, through one central audit and certification process, without the complexity of having to be accredited by each individual manufacturer. The accreditation scheme will protect the identity of the accredited companies and individuals – whilst the individuals accessing the information will be anonymous to the manufacturers in order to protect their privacy.

Welcoming the agreement, Stuart said: “For many years we have worked to make this solution become a reality… For good, reputable garage businesses, a long-term solution to accessing vital security-related information is now here. We are inviting any garage interested in taking part in the scheme to get in touch with the IGA to register their interest.”