So, I can only think that the Dorset police are doing this type of random car stopping due to road offence suspicions and not specifically to do with covid 19 lockdown . In my opinion the problem was caused by the original governments decision to postpone MOT testing for a six month period in 2020. This was to be a part of the preventing motorists from having to go to their garage for an MOT test.
Staying at home was the key message to all of us. This move caused a back log of testing when the six month period ended. So, we know from experience how confusing this silly postponement caused the regular motorists. Importantly, people are still confused as to where they stand and are still calling us up for advice.
We decided early on to send our MOT customers a reminder letter to let them know and keep their cars legal. Unfortunately, not every garage did this and it look like drivers are now being pursued by the police. Especially in the Dorset area of the UK. I have not heard of anything similar in the west Yorkshire area and I hope that this does not happen.
DORSET Police has issued an urgent MOT warning to drivers amid confusion following last year’s six-month MOT extension. In a post on Facebook, Dorset Police warned penalty notices would be issued to drivers without the right
MOT Testing Why You Should avoid Your Local Council
So, I am now the owner of my garage, Pellon Tyre, and Autocentre, which have been operating for over 40 years. As a result, I have tried to build up a reputation that is second to none. Over the years, we have built up a fantastic reputation and trust.
We have always been straight and honest with our customers. Hence, I personally have been the owner of this garage here in Halifax. For the past 25 years,. In that time, we have carried out thousands of MOT tests. Of course, we have always used our best discretion. Carrying out MOT testing. Having always had the customer’s best interests at heart.
Over the years, we have only had one small dispute with a customer. Subsequently, that was the fault of our tester at the time. Replacing him as soon as we could. Thus, at the moment, we only have two testers. Ryan Linton, who, in my opinion, is a first class mechanic,. Naturally, a person, and has worked for me for 22 years. We now have a second tester, Mr. Dale Linton.
The point that I am getting at is the massive effort that we at Pellon have put into our garage and MOT testing service, MOT Testing Halifax area
This was, in my opinion, undermined. So, when I heard a guy being interviewed on Radio 2. This presenter was from a website telling us how we can save money. Advising the listeners to go to the local councils. Thus, for their car MOT testing,. Because if they went there,.
Then they would not be taken for a ride or ripped off. Consequently, he was basically saying that MOT centres are vehicle testing stations. So those who carry out MOT testing fail the cars intentionally. In order to give themselves the work of repairing the car.
This could not be further from the truth. VOSA DVLA MOT Testing Rules statistics. Show that privately owned testing stations. As a result, you are more likely to pass the car than fail the car. The money website claims that the local council runs testing stations.
Therefore, they are more likely to pass your car than a private garage. Such as the likes of my own garage in Halifax. So what they are saying is we are corrupt. By failing cars just to get the mechanical work.
Local Council want private MOT Testing stations to test taxis? MOT Testing Halifax area
Other things that I am not happy with are the good reviews that they say they have had from customers of the local council testing stations. One says that they fitted a light bulb and then they passed the car, the council test stations do not do any mechanical work whatsoever, so this was porky.
Another one stated that his car had failed at a private garage and the car needed £400 spent on it to pass the test, so the guy took his car to the council test station, and they passed it without any problems.
I frankly do not believe what they say, I agree that we are not all squeaky clean in the garage trade, but we are well regulated by VOSA, and if the figures for different failures do not look right, then VOSA will give you a visit and try to see whats going on.
Council testing stations used to charge the full going rate for MOT Testing, MOT Testing Halifax area
But I rang around today and found out that they have now started to discount the tests, I think that they are under pressure to do more testing from the cash strapped councils. In fact, we did get a notification asking us if we would like to carry out testing on behalf of the council, but I declined the offer as we are busy enough anyway.
Another problem with the local council test stations is that if your car fails, then you have to go to a garage for the work to be carried out, and then they have to go back to the council for a re-test. This is a long way around when a private garage will, in most cases, have done the work on the car the same day, saving the customer time and money.
MOT testing station owner Eric Roberts . MOT Testing Halifax area
There is no evidence at all to back up the money website’s claims. Fundamentally, there are no statistics from VOSA showing that MOT testing stations carry out repair work. So, more cars fail than council-run MOT testing stations.
It is really clear that going to a MOT only testing station. Such as the council’s operations. Is likely to incur considerable cost and personnel inconvenience. Especially if the car fails on a minor fault, such as a light bulb, and has to make another appointment for a re-test.
VOSA is the government department in charge of MOT testing. Importantly, we are always watching out for garages. bad practices and make regular visits to offending garages. MOT garages are also given colour codes that relate to their testing standards. Green is the best, then Amber, and the worst standard is Red.
So, these are the ones that the ministry keeps a careful eye on. It is worth finding out what standard of the testing station is, before you book your car in. I am proud to say that we at Pellon Autocentre are in the best lane, the green lane.
MOT testing station
Pellon Tyre and Autocentre offer car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles. MOT Testing Halifax area
Comment from Jim McMasters –
As the owner of an older car I have been tempted to use the Council test stations. This year I had two MOT tests by two different independent garages. Garage No 1 failed the car on rear brake pipes and front and rear brake hoses with both front suspension bushes advisory – cost of repairs £344 inc MOT.
Garage No 2 failed the car on front and rear brake pipes and the suspension bushes and said the brake hoses were advisory with mild corrosion on the ferrules and discoloration of rear indicator bulbs which had been replaced by Garage No1 the year before – cost of repairs £601 inc MOT.
The only thing that puts me off using the Council testing stations is that if you fail you then have to fend around for someone to fix the car within the retest period which takes time and I’ve found some garages don’t want to do brake pipe jobs if they are busy with bolt on type repairs. So I think you make a fair point in favour of the independent garage for practical purposes but as my example shows, there is a lack of consistency with garages both in testing and pricing.
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/MOT-testing-sign.jpg512512Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Logo_Pellon.fw_.pngEric Roberts2024-04-14 19:39:182024-04-14 19:39:18MOT Testing Halifax area: Dont GO To Your Local Council
So this attached article is all about the chaos that the Government caused by issuing the six month exemption of your cars MOT Test! Of course during in last years lockdown. Many garages and MOT centres are now short of work because customers have brought their MOT tests forward. To explain most customers of garages would have their cars serviced at the same time. Now because of rush then garages are have a void in their work schedule. Including us at Pellon Autocentre in Halifax .
So, in there wisdom then the DVLA are advising motorists to bring their test forward. The Months with a void are now May, June and July. Because garage customers had their cars tested early then a huge void has occurred. These cars are not due to have a test until August, September ang October. Meaning to me that the six month MOT exemption has completely thrown out the systems balance.
Businesses find this difficult to balance out and will be paying staff to be stood around . In my opinion the government should compensate garages to help them through this period until the Autumn.
Where are the DVLA telling the motorists ?
The attached article writes about the DVLA urging motorists! Unfortunately, I am wondering where this advice is going to be published ! I watch TV and listen to the radio all the time but have not yet seen any sign of the DVLA advising drivers. So, urging drivers to anything. I suspect that what they mean is that we the local garage have to tell our own customers that getting an early MOT would be possible.
Another garage owner that I know says that he has been realy messed up by the government decision to the six month MOT extension. Frighteningly, he says that he has had no customers since March wanting an MOT test. He like me suspects that it will be like this until late August. The DVSA are doing nothing to help and I suspect garages will be closing down!
Finally, I believe that a six month extension was not at all necessary! The six months grace meant that millions of drivers taking the micky! Like my own garage then thousands of MOT centres are only doing a couple of test a week! This also includes the busy garages. I believe that the action that the government took is now causing the industry big problems. So, support should be given to MOT stations. Because we are loosing revenue whilst still having to pay for MOT equipment and staffs wages. This has been awarded to other industries requiring financial aid during these difficult times.
Financial Incentives could be the way
Finally I think that the government could offer a financial incentive to try and get to have an early MOT test. Otherwise drivers will not be prepared to have their cars tested early. Understandingly, most motorists leave there MOT test to the last minute normally. Most have a fear that the car may require expensive repairs and so as I say leave the test until the last minute.
The DVSA is urging motorists with a vehicle MOT due in August, September, October and November 2021 to bring their vehicle in for a test during May, June or July instead. It comes as MOT predictions
Even the largest domestic vehicles, like a pick-up truck or a van, aren’t always big enough for your driving needs. When you need to add extra capacity to your vehicle, whether it’s space for a horse, extra storage, or even somewhere that doubles as a home on wheels, the answer is simple: tow another structure behind your existing vehicle. Towing is popular with many drivers, but it does come with responsibility. The DVLA has laws around towing, and drivers need to be aware of them and compliant at all times.
While this might seem obvious,
even two years after a major change in towing laws was implemented, only 14% of respondents to a recent survey were aware of the developments. The law now allows those who passed their driving test from after January 1997 can tow trailers of up to 3,500kg MAM without undertaking additional training. Just because less training is now required, that doesn’t mean that towing isn’t still a dangerous pastime or that it isn’t a privilege that we need to take very seriously. Driver ignorance could potentially be fatal, especially when you’re towing a heavy trailer or caravan.
Here are some of the many reasons why this ignorance could be dangerous and how drivers can brush up on their knowledge before they hitch up their trailers.
Drivers Might Be Making Mistakes When Hitching-Ignorance Of Towing Laws
If drivers are ignorant of basic towing laws, then it begs the question: What else don’t they know about towing trailers or caravans? One of the most significant areas where they could be going wrong from the start is hitching their trailer to their vehicle.
Having properly fitted tow bars that are attached by an expert fitter and used correctly is crucial for ensuring that the trailer is properly secured from the start of the journey. Incorrectly hitching a trailer to a vehicle can result in detachment while driving. This not only endangers the occupants of the towing vehicle but also poses a significant risk to other road users, so drivers need to be aware of how to do this correctly.
It Might Mean Poor Driving Etiquette-Ignorance Of Towing Laws
Ignorance of towing laws can lead to improper use of overtaking lanes and slow lanes, causing frustration among other drivers and increasing the likelihood of road rage incidents. The law dictates how drivers should behave when they have a trailer, and if they don’t understand one aspect of it, they probably won’t grasp driving etiquette when towing a trailer or caravan.
This can lead to problems with other drivers and potential dangers. One area that could cause significant problems is overtaking others and turning correctly around other drivers when towing a trailer.
Towing a trailer affects visibility and manoeuvrability, so not having proper overtaking and turning techniques can lead to collisions, especially in tight spaces or when attempting manoeuvres without a clear understanding of the trailer’s path.
Proper Maintenance Might Not Be Undertaken
Drivers who don’t understand the law might not be interested in maintaining and caring for their vehicles, tow bars, and trailers effectively. Towing puts additional strain on all the vehicle’s components.
Ignoring maintenance requirements can result in mechanical failures while on the road, leading to accidents or breakdowns, so drivers need to be aware of these issues and manage them effectively. Drivers who view towing as a simple experience might not maintain their vehicles correctly when towing.
Ignorance Could Lead To A Lack Of Attention When Towing
Any vehicle can be challenging to drive, but when your car has an extra piece attached at the back that is long and heavy, there are additional issues that you need to bear in mind. As such, towing a trailer requires heightened awareness of the road and surroundings.
Not knowing how the trailer affects blind spots, turning radius, and overall vehicle length can lead to accidents or issues, especially in tight urban areas with narrow streets. Also, towing often comes at a reduced speed limits on certain roads. Ignoring these limits can lead to dangerous situations, as trailers require more time to slow down or stop safely. As a result, driver error could cause serious problems for road users.
What You Can Do To Stay Up-To-Date-Ignorance Of Towing Laws
Whether you’re a caravan owner, a horse transporter, or you regularly use a trailer for your work, you need to understand the laws and stay up-to-date with them. To make sure that you always know about changes to the law when towing or any other aspect of driving, follow the DVLA’s blog for regular updates.
You can also make the most of sites like ours
to understand how these new rules will affect you and what you can do to ensure your compliance at all times. Being proactive will make you a better driver and ensure that you can navigate the UK’s roads safely and effectively.
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/car-towing-a-trailer.jpg394592Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Logo_Pellon.fw_.pngEric Roberts2024-04-07 07:40:062024-04-07 07:40:06Ignorance Of Towing Laws Could Spell Disaster On British Roads
This Roller will probably be the nicest car that we have had in the garage for its This magnificent car was brought into my garage for an Rolls Royce MOT. We were very pleased to see such a fine specimen of a vintage Bentley Wraith.
This magnificent Rolls Royce Wraith car a 1939 drop head coupe is one of only 220 in the World. Importantly, and was designed by a James Young and Company of Bromley London. Later bought by Jack Barclay a London based Rolls Royce dealer. This magnificent car was brought into my garage for an Rolls Royce MOT. We were very pleased to see such a fine specimen of a vintageBentley Wraith model. Although the new DVLA MOT Rules state that these cars do not have to have a Rolls Royce MOT any more. Most owners still go through the procedure because of insurance purposes.
It was in 1931 that the then “Rolls-Royce company” bought out ” Bentley Motors” . Consequently, the whole works were moved from the Bentley factory in Cricklewood London NW2. Of course, to Derby, in the North midlands of the UK.
Bentley cars that were produced there are were commonly referred to as the “Derby-Bentley s”. These cars were first introduced in 1933. Hence, the first of these Bentley s that were made in Derby was simply known as the 3 1/2 Litre. Subsequently, were very similar in design and looks to the Rolls Royce 20/25. Thus, that was made in the same year. The Bentley cars very soon became the more powerful and sporty versions of the Rolls Royce. These 3.5 litre enginedBentley’s that was produced in Derby was not in the same technology class as the ones produced in Cricklewood, London.
In 1936 the Derby made Bentley’s and the new Rolls Royce were fitted with 4.257 litre engine with a four speed gearbox.
this vastly improved the cars performance giving the owner far more acceleration power and making the car feel very sporty to drive. These cars were made until the beginning of World war 2
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/canstockphoto88031629-scaled-e1704782691464.jpg333500Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Logo_Pellon.fw_.pngEric Roberts2024-04-03 19:39:032024-04-03 19:39:03Rolls Royce MOT-Beautiful Blue Wraith in for an MOT test
As the owner of an MOT station, I must sympathise with the huge multinational companies that are involved with MOT testing. Thus, MOT testing is a very important and trustworthy job to have.
So, you are not just working for your particular company but are doing this in conjunction with the UK Government. Consequently, this is a very responsible position to hold.
In my business in Halifax, UK, we have two testers. Both of these guys hold very high positions in my business. Indeed, they are the key to a successful garage business.
As garage owners, we are held fully responsible and regularly checked by the VOSA MOT standards agency. If I had hundreds of MOT testers working for me, then I would not sleep at night.
The Dangers of an Unreliable MOT Examiner:
A Warned Garage & MOT Centre Owner
Hello, good customers and road warriors! Now, let’s change gears and discuss something a little more important: Dishonest MOT testers. Namely, what might dreadfully go wrong if you, as the owner of a garage and MOT test centre, unintentionally hire a dishonest one.
Put your seatbelts on; you certainly don’t want to find yourself on this road.
Reputation Ruin:
Dishonest MOT testers can quickly tarnish the name of your company. Bad news dangerously spreads faster than a Ferrari on an open road thanks to people’s conversations and our hyperconnected society.
Legal Mazes:
MOT inspections are about more than just road safety; they are a safety shambles. Every driver on the road is at risk from an unreliable tester. Literally, it’s a life or death situation.
Lying is not only wrong, it is also criminal. A single poor test result might land you in a tangle of penalties, fines, and even the dreaded courtroom dance.
Consumer Catastrophe:
Consider the shock a client would feel after learning they’ve been conned. Trust takes years to develop but just moments to destroy. And good luck trying to get it back once it’s gone.
Financial Repercussions:
Refunds, Lawsuits, and Penalties
—Oh My! Your hard-earned income could be quickly drained by the dodgy tester’s hidden fees.
This one is soul-crushing:
Ethical Erosion. It can be stressful to be aware that you’ve endangered others. It’s a slippery slope that you don’t want to start down ethically.
So let’s wrap it all up. Although the risks are really high, you do want to trust the people you hire. Make sure your MOT testers are thoroughly vetted for the love of everything automotive and the road itself. Because it does, people.
Maintain the most moral contact between the road and your tyres by driving safely and honestly.
Total trust is essential.
Multinational companies such as the company in the attached article must have a difficult job selecting the correct candidates to be an MOT tester. If they get it wrong then heads will certainly roll. So, as I have said as the business owner I am held totally responsible for any wrong doing or Illegal practises by my MOT testers.
Importantly testers are operating under fair but strict rules. Therefore I find it impossible to get my head round the way that these important members of our staff are selected and also kept under control of these strict government guide lines.
So, this is probably why that every so often we read stories like this. Members of staff that just cant work within the rules. Consequently this Dishonest MOT testers, from Taunton were caught and prosecuted whilst working for Halfords.
I can only hope that these massive companies treat and pay their testers with the greatest of respect, as I do. Otherwise it will surely be big trouble for them!
clamps down on mot fraud, banned from mot testing, dvsa clamps down on mot, guidance to help stamp.
Taunton-based Dishonest MOT testers have admitted issuing 31 MOT certificates without carrying out the required checks. Anton Keith Fricker pleaded guilty to 31 counts when he appeared at Taunton Magistrates’ Courts on July 13 following a
So, this graph shows the expected peak when motorists will have to have their cars MOT tested. Along with these cars will be the ones that are due for testing after the August 1st deadline. Crucially, this will mean a very busy time for testing stations to cope with the huge expected influx. Of course, it is not only the tests but also the work that has to be done once a car fails.
I suspect we will have to add a temporary extra day to cope. With the expected spike in extra MOT failure work,. Looking back, it all seems a bit crazy, and in my opinion, the MOT exemptions had no need to take place. In fact, many drivers are still having their vehicles tested. Importantly, it is still up to the car owner to make sure the car is roadworthy.
Insurance companies will be reluctant to pay out if an accident occurs and the car is found not to be roadworthy. MOT backlog peaking in October
Here at Pellon Autocentre, we will continue to encourage our customers to have their tests done by the due date. Firstly, as I have just said, it is their duty of care to make sure the car is in a good state of repair. such things as tyres are kept in line. However, I have an air of excitement now. So I can’t wait for some catching up to be done! especially after weeks of staff furloughing ?
Eric Roberts
The number of MOT tests is set for a dramatic increase following a return to mandatory testing on 1 August, DVSA data seen by Garage Wire shows. The number of tests is expected to overtake pre-exemption
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/canstockphoto88031629-scaled-e1704782691464.jpg333500Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Logo_Pellon.fw_.pngEric Roberts2024-03-30 06:39:512024-03-31 08:12:08MOT backlog peaking in October
So this is about the wrangling that continues about our MP’s trying to convert the MOT testing gap to two years. Utterly stupid in my opinion! These MP’s should visit testing stations to see how a modern day car can deteriorate over the current one year period. So, two years would just mean many more dangerous cars on our roads.
However as this attached article states, the motor industry are fighting to knock this stupid idea ion the head. I drive for my business and often depart at 4.30am in the morning. The roads are very busy and in my opinion we are heading for a complete 24hr period of heavy traffic. Ask any lorry driver! No longer can you drive in the UK through the night to try avoid heavy traffic. It is with us now. So testing cars over a two year period is a no brainer and the idea scrapped immediately far safety’s sake alone.
Along with this article I can only hope that the recent conservative re-shuffle will kill the Two Year MOT Tests stone dead and common sense prevails.
UK government lobbying has intensified, the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) and the UK Alliance for the Freedom of Car Repair (UK AFCAR) has said. The IAAF is currently in active dialogue with the Competition and Markets Authority
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Logo_Pellon.fw_.png00Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Logo_Pellon.fw_.pngEric Roberts2024-03-24 06:39:432024-03-24 06:39:44Two Year MOT Tests still under scrutiny-UK aftermarket lobbying intensifies
Moving forward to May 2021 then the covid threat to us all is now declining due to a great vaccination campaign by the conservative government. So, MOT testing has cleared the backlog caused by the pandemic and we are now testing on a level that is par to post pandemic figures. Of course it is not all over yet but as garage and MOT station then we are all safe and happy to see all our customers again.
This is a great article. Hence, and only emphasises the reason why many small garages are doing so well. Nonetheless, we should keep up with our high standards of customer service. Of course, we would be nothing if it was not for our staff. Staff and training are in my opinion, one of the most important factors. Thus of running a busy successful garage business.
Indeed, without good reliable staff then you may as well forget it. For this reason, our customers return time and time again. Please read the article ,it is filled with many interesting facts about your local independent garage. To be a successful MOT centre, then honesty is the key word.
Another interesting MOT testing article about a dishonest tester working for Halfords.
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/canstockphoto88031629-scaled-e1704782691464.jpg333500Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Logo_Pellon.fw_.pngEric Roberts2024-03-22 18:40:212024-03-22 18:40:21Independent garages lead MOT testing-A look at the increased use of Independent Garages in UK
So, yet another “lockdown” ! What good did the other two lockdowns do ! Not sure ! However the good news is that here at Pellon Autocentre then we are able to remain open. Presumably it is to keep the key workers cars on the road. Of course all our regular customers are more than welcome to bring in their cars. of course we will require you to respect the current rules such as mask wearing and social distancing.
Should any of our customers wish to stay at home but require their car repairing then we would like help them. Including collecting and delivering back their cars. So, just call us on 01422 351314 to make the best arrangement to suit you. Of course we are also under pressure so our customers visiting us for repairs is still the best option. Importantly, we can still carry out MOT testing.
Lets hope that the government get the vaccines out quickly and we can get back to normal in the near future.
A new lockdown ordering people to ‘stay at home’ in England and Scotland is now in force but garages are permitted to remain open. The latest government guidance for England states that “vehicle repair and MOT
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/car-owner.jpg435273Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Logo_Pellon.fw_.pngEric Roberts2024-03-18 18:39:012024-03-18 18:39:01Pellon Tyres Remain Open-Garages permitted to remain open during latest lockdown
