Despite Brexit, the UK Department for Transport (DfT) has indicated that it will review new MOT testing rules being considered by the European Commission, suggesting potential future adoption in Britain. The proposed changes in the EU focus on more thorough inspections for electric vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems during annual ‘periodic technical inspections’ (PTI).
The European Commission stated that current testing methods need updating to reflect advancements in technologies like electric vehicles and driver assistance features such as cruise control, emergency braking, and lane assist. The proposed changes include adapting PTI for electric vehicles and incorporating new test elements for electronic safety systems through broader use of the electronic vehicle interface, including assessing the software integrity of safety and emission-related systems.
When questioned about the UK’s stance on these potential new rules, the DfT did not confirm or deny specific details but emphasised that the UK MOT system is continually reviewed to ensure road safety and environmental standards are maintained. They added that any proposals from the European Union would be reviewed.
If implemented in the UK, the new rules would likely lead to more detailed inspections of electric vehicles during their annual MOT test. While this could enhance road safety, stricter assessments might result in a higher failure rate for electric cars, potentially leading to costly repairs for owners to ensure their vehicles pass and remain road legal.
Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European commissioner for sustainable transport and tourism, supported the modernisation of roadworthiness rules, highlighting the use of the latest technology and strengthened enforcement to keep pace with evolving mobility. The proposed updates to PTI testing rules will now be considered by the European Parliament and the Council before potential implementation across the EU. The UK officially left the European Union on January 31, 2020, with the transition period concluding on December 31, 2020.
For further clarity on this, we conteacted Mark Field, Chief Executive of the IAAF.
Mark clarifies the context of potential changes to the UK MOT test regarding Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). He points out that the UK currently has the third safest roads in Europe. The inclusion of ADAS in vehicle type approval is already mandated under UNECE regulations, which are part of both the EU General Safety Regulation (GSR) and the UK’s own GB type approval scheme that replaced the EU system post-Brexit.
Specific ADAS systems, such as Automated Lane Keeping System (ALKS), Advanced Emergency Braking Systems, and Lane Departure Warning Systems, are covered under UNECE regulations. While Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Emergency Call (eCall) are not explicitly listed in UNECE regulations, they are considered advanced driver assistance systems included in vehicle type approval.
The UK’s vehicle type approval process, including GB type approval, incorporates these ADAS requirements. The DfT has its own detailed information available online regarding GB type approval for road vehicles.
In summary, Field notes that the potential inclusion of ADAS testing in the UK MOT is not new, as the DfT and DVSA have been discussing this for some time. These systems are mandatory under vehicle type approval and their testing is seen as important for maintaining road safety and reducing casualties.
Source: Express
