020-022 SVA & IVA:CKC Advert Template
3/4/08
17:32
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REGULATIONS SVA/IVA
IVA To Be The New SVA With SVA to become IVA in 2009, are we looking at a simple name change or something with greater implications for the kit car enthusiast? CKC talks to VOSA and reveals all. IF YOU’RE AN active member of a kit car club, or simply a regular visitor to websites such as Pistonheads, then you may have heard about some proposed changes to Single Vehicle Approval (SVA). The SVA scheme allows for both amateur built and low volume cars to be assessed and subsequently registered in the UK without the need to meet the EC Whole Vehicle Type Approval standards which apply to mainstream manufacturers such as Ford and Jaguar. From what you may have heard or read, there appear to be conflicting views over what the changes mean for our industry. We have spoken to VOSA (Vehicle & Operator Services Agency), the agency within the Department for Transport which is responsible for implementing the changes to the SVA scheme, to give you the definitive answer.
SVA continues as is until April of 2009. Even then, the changes appear small and will still be undertaken at existing SVA test stations.
WHY THE CHANGE?
BACKGROUND SVA exists because of a section within the European Parliament’s original Framework Directive document which allows for member states to establish alternative Type Approval systems for different levels of low volume vehicles – for instance, small runs of factory assembled vehicles (the likes of Morgan may fall into this) or one-offs and cars built from a manufactured package (conventional kit cars). Single Vehicle Approval is a UK
specific response to the Framework Directive which allows the likes of you and me to build a car at home which does not have to meet the stringent tests applied to the likes of Ford in the shape of EC Whole Vehicle Type Approval. Last year, the European Parliament released details of a Recast Framework Directive 2007/46EC (RFD) and it is as a consequence of this that SVA in the UK is in the process of being rejigged to become Individual Vehicle Approvals (IVA).
Changes to SVA appear small. Perhaps most significant (in terms of cost) is the enforcement of a reverse gear. For bikeengined kits, this will mean the purchase of an aftermarket reverse gear, such as that available from Quaife.
CKC: Is there a reason why the change is occurring? VOSA: These changes are being made following the implementation of the RFD. This new European directive mandates some significant changes to the current Type Approval framework for passenger cars and will extend in scope to include trucks, trailers and buses from key dates between April 2009 and 2014. The good news for the kit car industry is that the directive does allow for national approval schemes, which means that member states can continue to allow registration of vehicles as long as they satisfy the national requirements. The UK DfT will continue to support a national scheme, however it should be noted that some changes must be made to bring the scheme up to date and ensure it is fit for purpose.
VORSOVAED
APP RT REPO
WHEN IS IT HAPPENING? CKC: When exactly does SVA become IVA? VOSA: The Recast Framework Directive 2007/46EC (RFD) comes into force on the 29th of April 2009 with M1 passenger cars being the first group of vehicles to be affected. This means that SVA will cease for M1 passenger cars and IVA will take over. N1 goods vehicles continue to fall under the SVA scheme until October 2011 as the RFD does not mandate these vehicles until then.
HOW BIG ARE THE CHANGES? CKC: Our understanding is that the changes will be nominal for amateur builds. Is this correct? VOSA: The most important point to make is that for amateur builds, presenters will continue to be able to prove compliance by way of a physical inspection by VOSA examiners without the need for documentary evidence, model or test reports. The IVA inspection will include up to 60 test areas, not all of which apply to all vehicle categories. For kit cars there will be approximately 42 test areas, many of which are identical to the 24 areas covered by SVA, but with some new items not previously included.
EXAMPLE CHANGES CKC: Can you give us some examples of the proposed changes? VOSA: Some examples of the new items are: The introduction of a check that a horn is fitted and works A check that sufficient space has been allowed for the fitment of a rear registration plate A check to confirm the presence and operation of a reverse gear or similar device A check on the identification of controls and driver information systems (tell tales, warning symbols etc) 20
www.completekitcar.co.uk
MAY 2008