RMIF tells MOT stations: Be prepared for risk assessments

MOT testing stations that fall short in risk-assessments currently taking place will be targeted for further investigation in 2008, the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF) is warning businesses.

The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) are visiting all UK testing stations carrying out what is known as MOT Enforcement Transformation assessments (METs). These compliance inspections check adherence to MOT regulations, and is a mandatory check for all testing stations.

However, during the visit, the Vehicle Examiner will also inspect non-mot areas to try to ascertain what the likelihood is of future non-compliance to the MOT regulations.

Elements that assessors may look for include:

Customer waiting areas, toilets, tea/coffee provision
Health and Safety compliance (Risk Assessments)
Building condition, maintenance, décor, tidiness and cleanliness
Non-MOT equipment; maintenance, calibration, condition and availability
Record keeping
Staff training and retention.
Management knowledge and training.
Customer profile breakdown
Commercial factors including discounts, special offers, fast-fit

VOSA have no power to take direct action against test stations for any perceived shortcomings in any of the “risk assessment” areas, but according to Stephen Coles , from the RMIF MOT Operations Team, the result may lead to a follow-on investigation: ‘VOSA can use this evidence to support a view that stations that fall short in these non-MOT areas lack a degree of professionalism in their approach to their staff and clients which may well be mirrored in the way that the MOT side of the business is run.

‘Shortcomings noted during the Risk Assessment will be scored and if deemed significant, will lead to a higher than normal risk score. VOSA will then target stations that are viewed as High Risk with increased inspections, mystery shoppers and targeted enforcement’

Coles believes that MOT testing stations should use the assessments as a prompt to examine their own procedures and to bring them up to what is generally seen as best practice within the Industry:
‘All garages should strive to meet the requirements laid down in the best practice guide, as they mirror the RMIF’s own code of practice. The process should be completed by the end of March 2008. Later in the year, testing stations will know how they have been graded.’

RMIF-member MOT testing stations wanting advice on limiting risk factors should, contact the RMIF’s MOT Operations Team.