MOT Computerisation receives prestigious award nomination

VOSA’s MOT Computerisation project has been short-listed for a major award. The Government Computer Awards, which are billed as “the UK’s premier awards, recognising the people and projects behind the best in UK public sector technology”, have short-listed the scheme in the Best Project – Government to Business category.

MOT Computerisation, which was introduced back in 2005 in partnership with Siemens IT Solutions and Services Ltd, has been successfully introduced to all 18,700 private MOT garages throughout Great Britain. Roll-out was implemented in less than 12 months at no cost to the garages themselves, representing the single biggest change to the MOT scheme since its introduction almost 50 years ago.

The success of MOT Computerisation can be measured by the fact that in a recent independent MORI survey, 75% of garages said MOT Computerisation had had a positive effect on business, while 95% said it was easy to use. The four main benefits are: reduction in certificate theft, fraud and forgery; improved administration; improved consumer protection; and an increase in the standard of MOT testing.

Alex Fiddes, VOSA’s Private Vehicle Director, said: “Transforming the old paper-based system into one fit for the 21st century has been a massive task, but it’s one that has been taken on with relish by both our staff and those at Siemens. It is a testament to their skill and hard work, and the flexibility of the garage owners and workers, that MOT Computerisation has been such a success.”