January policy wins: government response to calls for evidence on MOTs

Cars, vans and motorcycles

The DfT call for evidence recommended extending the test periods of cars, vans and motorcycles from three to four years, however, Logistics UK’s members were against such proposals. Members raised significant concerns over road safety if an extension was to be implemented. Logistics UK consulted with members through freight council and road council meetings to build a case that reflected members’ views, which was raised in the business group’s submission. Logistics UK warned of the dangers the proposed changes made and reflected this concern in the response. Logistics UK is delighted that DfT has made the decision to retain its current position, with the first MOT test three years after registration and every 12 months thereafter.  

HGVs and PSVs 

DfT has also separately published a call for evidence outcome on a part of the heavy vehicle testing review (HVTR). The call for evidence was seeking views on four potential options for changes to testing for HGVs and public service vehicles (PSVs) of operators in the earned recognition (ER) scheme. Having consulted with members through freight and road council meetings, Logistics UK recommended that only option 1 (increasing the time between tests for ER operators) and option 2 (delegated testing) were of any value. As a result of responses, DfT will conduct further research into option 1 and 2, looking at the procedures to implement changes, the potential need for ER to be put on a statutory footing and other lines of inquiry to identify a final option.  

DBT launches Critical imports and supply chains strategy  

Logistics UK is pleased that the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has published a Critical imports and supply chains strategy, which outlines actions across five priority areas to build resilient supply chains and safeguard critical imports: 

• Making the UK government a centre of excellence for supply chain analysis and risk assessment.  

• Removing critical import barriers to support the UK’s business-friendly environment.  

• Building the UK’s response to global supply chain shocks.  

• Ensuring the UK can adapt to long-term trends.  

• Expanding collaboration between government, business and academia.  

Logistics UK attended all the roundtables set up by government which fed into the development of the strategy and participated in its launch. The business group is calling for trade to be as frictionless as possible, with the UK at the heart of improved international connectivity and resilient supply chains.  

The logistics industry underpins critical supply chains and Logistics UK will continue to work with government to help deliver this strategy.  

Published On: 01/02/2024 14:30:00

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