Taken from various 'press' articles'
Starting in January 2012 a new stricter UK MOT will be introduced as the EU brings in a minimum standard of vehicle testing across all member States.
The VOSA (Vehicle and Operators Service Agency) internal newsletter 'Matters Of Testing' contains an interesting piece on the future.A few things stand out.
-Britain has been testing vehicles under the MOT scheme for 50 years now.
-Last year, the European Directive covering the MOT test was updated and revised by a modern version called 2009/40/ EC.
-This was then updated by 2010/48/EU, which was ratified on 5 July 2010.
-The changes bring the requirements for car and commercial tests closer together with approximately 50 new testable items to be added.
VOSA are currently working with MOT testers to try to ensure that the new test is cost neutral, in other words no fee increase (I don't think so.....!). Also they are working with testers to find the most efficient way of checking the new items. There is a suggestion that testing stations will adopt a drive through lane system (continental style).
Implications for modified vehicles and new areas specifically affecting modified cars include:
-HID headlamps and bulb incompatibility
-Tinted windows
-Wiring condition and, possibly of greater concern
-Mudguards(wings), spray suppression devices
Visual inspection:
(a) Missing,loose or badly corroded
(b) Insufficient clearance to road wheel
(c) Not inaccordance with the requirements.
Engine performance:
(a) Control unit illegally modified.
(b) Illegal engine modifications.
Currently there appears to be no list of illegal engine tuning parts in this country but the EC is looking at restrictions across the board, particularly as some OEM are pressing against tuning of their ECU software, maintaining that it is their property, regardless of the vehicles sale - but not BMW! There is every possibility that any initial laws will be aimed at cars which use an 'emissions' based tax system (as in the UK!). As the system is based also on economy it may be that wider wheels,increasing rolling resistance and other mods that affect weight or aerodynamics fall foul of the regulations
Think it's watch this space! but potentially a considerable impact not only on owners with modified cars but also the sellers. Perhaps if you are thinking of 'chipping' your car worth asking the supplier what their take on all this is.
Happy days aren't we all glad to be part of the EU :thumbsdown:
Starting in January 2012 a new stricter UK MOT will be introduced as the EU brings in a minimum standard of vehicle testing across all member States.
The VOSA (Vehicle and Operators Service Agency) internal newsletter 'Matters Of Testing' contains an interesting piece on the future.A few things stand out.
-Britain has been testing vehicles under the MOT scheme for 50 years now.
-Last year, the European Directive covering the MOT test was updated and revised by a modern version called 2009/40/ EC.
-This was then updated by 2010/48/EU, which was ratified on 5 July 2010.
-The changes bring the requirements for car and commercial tests closer together with approximately 50 new testable items to be added.
VOSA are currently working with MOT testers to try to ensure that the new test is cost neutral, in other words no fee increase (I don't think so.....!). Also they are working with testers to find the most efficient way of checking the new items. There is a suggestion that testing stations will adopt a drive through lane system (continental style).
Implications for modified vehicles and new areas specifically affecting modified cars include:
-HID headlamps and bulb incompatibility
-Tinted windows
-Wiring condition and, possibly of greater concern
-Mudguards(wings), spray suppression devices
Visual inspection:
(a) Missing,loose or badly corroded
(b) Insufficient clearance to road wheel
(c) Not inaccordance with the requirements.
Engine performance:
(a) Control unit illegally modified.
(b) Illegal engine modifications.
Currently there appears to be no list of illegal engine tuning parts in this country but the EC is looking at restrictions across the board, particularly as some OEM are pressing against tuning of their ECU software, maintaining that it is their property, regardless of the vehicles sale - but not BMW! There is every possibility that any initial laws will be aimed at cars which use an 'emissions' based tax system (as in the UK!). As the system is based also on economy it may be that wider wheels,increasing rolling resistance and other mods that affect weight or aerodynamics fall foul of the regulations
Think it's watch this space! but potentially a considerable impact not only on owners with modified cars but also the sellers. Perhaps if you are thinking of 'chipping' your car worth asking the supplier what their take on all this is.
Happy days aren't we all glad to be part of the EU :thumbsdown:
Liverpool
