New exhaust gas analysers must be ‘connected’ from May
DVSA’s plan to modernise the MOT testing service through connectable equipment resumes next month with the introduction of emissions analysers.
From 1 May, anyone buying an exhaust gas analyser or diesel smoke meter will need to make sure it is a model that can connect to the MOT testing service.
This applies to garages buying replacement equipment, authorised examiners taking over another site and any new garage being approved to carry out MOTs.
Connectable equipment is not mandatory for most garages but some have started to invest in replacing their existing equipment.
In a survey last year, around one in seven garages said they were using some form of connected equipment.
The DVSA says installing connectable equipment can save garages time, reduce the risk of error in entering MOT results and help combat fraud.
Chris Price, DVSA’s head of MOT policy, said: “We paused the introduction of connectable equipment last year to help garages manage their businesses through the pandemic, as well as the impact of MOT exemptions.
“As part of our recovery of the MOT service, we’ve been working with equipment manufacturers over the last few months to introduce connectable exhaust gas analysers and diesel smoke meters to further modernise the test.
“After reinstating the grace period for connected equipment installation in December 2020, we wanted to give garages enough time to review their requirements around connected equipment before bringing in emissions analysers.”
Connected MOT equipment in context
The difference between a connectable and non-connectable model is often its software.
This means that non-connectable equipment models may be made connectable by a software update to allow it to connect to the MOT testing service.
MOT garage managers are encouraged to look into the benefits of connected equipment and understand how it will help the testing process in their workplace.
Investing in connected equipment will improve the efficiency of their garages and help futureproof their businesses.
