Operator slams DVSA over trailer MoT disc delay

A haulier has branded delays in the DVSA’s trailer MoT system “an absolute farce” after waiting more than five weeks for a replacement disc.

The Milton Keynes firm, which asked to remain anonymous, said it was forced to weigh up breaking the law and running the trailer without a disc, or parking it up until a replacement arrived.

It is an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988 to run a trailer without displaying a test disc and companies can be prosecuted for non-compliance.

Ordinarily, hauliers should wait no longer than five working days, but the agency admitted that its resources were stretched and that it was briefing roadside officers about the “temporary problem”.

The operator told Commercialmotor.com it had applied for a replacement on 18 August after noticing its disc had fallen off. As of 21 September, it had still not received one.

The operator said: “I am running the trailer. I can’t afford to have one trailer sat around. It’s a big part of our fleet and we need to be sweating our assets. It’s an absolute farce.”

A DVSA spokesman said enforcement officers would use their discretion on whether to prosecute firms.

“While plans are to redeploy staff from elsewhere in the DVSA, and from other DVSA activity in Swansea, it takes time to carry out that redeployment,” he spokesman said.

“Unfortunately the increase in demand happened suddenly at the end of the summer where resources are most stretched.”

He added: “Only if no effort has been made to become compliant will prosecution be considered. Provided an application for a replacement has been submitted within the 21-day period following issue of the offence recertification notice then no further action
will be taken, provided the trailer is covered by a valid test certificate.”

• This story originally appeared in the 24 Setpember issue. Why not subscribe and get 12 issues for just £12?