MOTs suspended: ensuring you’re fit for the roads

The DVSA’s suspension of MOTs for all heavy goods vehicles is a welcome and sensible step to keeping vital goods on the road – the onus is now on us to ensure they’re safe..

The Coronavirus pandemic has thrown not just the UK but the entire globe into a state of flux and confusion that has been tough for all of us to come to terms with.

Whilst the depth and timeliness of many elements of the nation’s response to the outbreak have come under close scrutiny, the relative speed of undertaking the tough decision to suspend MOTs has been both pragmatic and sensible.

The suspension, which is currently set to last for up to three months as of 21st March means any vehicle with a lapsed MOT will receive a certificate of temporary exemption (CTE) until the suspension is lifted.

Not only is this a valuable step in ensuring transmission of the virus is reduced but it also enables us to deliver our vital services to the nation.

However, whilst the reprieve is welcome, this change in legislation is not an opportunity to let standards slide and the onus is now on us as an industry to keep everyone safe.

Our industry has an integral role to play in the UK’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic and the pressures and responsibility that comes with the status of being key workers falls on all our shoulders.

If we are to fulfil our obligations at this time of need, from getting food supplies on the shelves, medicine to people in need and equipment to medical units, keeping our vehicles up to standard is as essential now as it has ever been.

At a time in which many firms across the country will be tested to the limits through unavailable workers and a whole host of issues that the pandemic delivers, the ability to keep vehicles maintained and keeping drivers safe will become ever more challenging.