MOT emission-computer link shelved RMIF tells testing stations

MOT stations that were required to pay for the testing of the connection between a vehicle emissions analysis device and the MOT computer are being left out of pocket because the link-up has been shelved, according to the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF).

The link-up between the petrol exhaust gas analyser (EGA), which tests vehicle emissions and the computerised MOT network was planned to be an integral part of the system. However, the link was not reliable, and it has now been decided by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) and MOT computer service provider Siemens that the work required to implement this communication would not be cost effective, so it has been dropped.

Stephen Coles from the RMIF’s MOT Operations Team commented: ‘It became apparent during the trials process that the transfer was unreliable. Implementation was suspended prior to further investigation.’

According to Coles, the link-up problems were spotted seven years ago: ‘VOSA was aware of the incompatibility problems in 2001. MOT stations were required to obtain a certificate of conformity, in addition to their normal calibration checks which take place every six months. However in many cases there was still a communication problem. At that time the RMIF pointed out that for most testing stations there would be a considerable financial outlay for the checks.’

Coles adds: ‘We urge VOSA to refund any test station that paid for these checks that, through the abandonment of the link-up, have now been definitively proved to have been unnecessary.’