The DVSA has announced major changes to the way it combats fraud within MOT testing in a bid to keep drivers safe with new measures expected to be introduced within months.
The changes come after reports revealed that ghost MOTs accounted for nearly 80 per cent of all fraudulent MOTs taken last year.
The DVSA has now set out detailed plans to crack down on MOT fraud cases while also offering advice on how to stay clear of fake methods.
One of the initiatives includes a focus on capturing photos at the time of an MOT test which can be used as evidence by the DVSA to monitor testing and ensure it's done correctly.
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The changes to the testing aim to reduce the number of fraudulent MOTs
DVSA
In its latest blog post, the agency said: "Whilstit’s only a small number of testers who bring disrepute to the industry by committing fraudulent MOTs, it does happen, and this undermines the important work the rest of you do every day to keep vehicles safe.
"And of course, even errors at the test – even though not deliberate – can cause issues for motorists. For example where MOTs may be logged against the wrong vehicle."
It added that the move hopes to create a "level playing field for all" while also cutting down on fraudulent or substandard testing.
The new feature would mean that during MOT tests, technicians will be prompted to take a photo of the vehicle in a testing bay after they have entered the number plate or vehicle identification number.
This can be done via a phone or a tablet with the image then saved against the record, with technicians able to carry out the rest of the MOT as normal.
Other changes include new methods for capturing images with the DVSA launching a new trial to help find the best route for different testing set-ups. Testers who would like to participate in the trial are encouraged to get in touch with the agency.
Once it is introduced, there could be scope for both authorised examiners and the DVSA to see the images stored against the test record with all of it used to help reduce fraud cases.
Alongside images in garages, the agency also wants to make sure the MTS platform is as secure as possible. It comes after several MTS accounts were compromised because testers had their details hacked last year.
However, the DVSA put this down to testers having theiremail or social accounts hacked with the information then used to gain access to the MTS service.
To help keep account details safe, the agency suggested using a strong password as well as multi-factor authentication.
Testers should also be aware of phishing emails which trick people into revealing sensitive information or contain links to a scam website or an infected attachment.
The DVSA blog added: "It might seem obvious, but we know it’s easy to forget to lock your device or log out of things on a shared computer when you’re busy. Not doing so can make it much easier for someone to access your personal information. You are responsible for any information accessed, changed or stored through your log in."
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Testers will be required to upload images of vehicles they conduct MOT tests on
DVSA
The DVSA added that it will keep drivers and testers updated on how the trial for images in garages is going once it gets rolled out in the next few months. But in response to the suggested changes, drivers who can comment on the blog have replied with mixed views.
One person shared: "Stupid idea, personally I am sick to death of everyone being tarred with the same brush, if you have issues with other less compliant garages then deal with them and stop costing us more money and time and instead show some commitment to the honest testers that are struggling to make a living as it is."
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