Relax - you're in safe hands with CVTS!
We believe that prevention is better than cure. However, things still can and do go wrong - but mistakes can cost you your station. It's at these times that our protection systems can provide a much-needed professional rationale. Our legal department has extensive expertise of helping MoT stations throughout the UK.
Six main area's that can attract disciplinary action
Station visit by VE
VOSA can make unannounced visits to a station at any time. If they find any shortcomings or non-compliance, they can instigate disciplinary action.
VT55 (reinspection)
VOSA representatives (usually two) can arrive and demand that a vehicle you've just tested is re-tested. Computerisation allows them to sit around the corner with a laptop and log onto details of the car you are testing and the time that you started the test. They can check if the test has been carried out incorrectly or if there are other shortcomings.
Mystery Shopper
Much of VOSA's homework is carried out automatically, giving VEs more time for investigations. They may pose as the presenter of a vehicle that needs an MoT. They may opt to observe the test or leave the vehicle. Because they are now allowed to drive a car with known faults, they will check to see if you identify these and whether the test is carried out correctly.
VT17 Appeals
VOSA is obliged to re-test a vehicle that is subject to an appeal against a pass or failure. You should receive 24 hours' notice of the time and venue. The re-test won't take place at your station and you won't be given any details about the car. VOSA will re-examine the vehicle to see if there are any shortcomings in your testing procedures.
Risk Assessment
Your MoT station will have had an assessment and will have been allocated a colour (green, amber or red):
- Green: you will be heavily monitored through your VTS device and phone calls
- Amber or red: you will almost certainly get increased visits
Either way, non-compliance could result in formal action.
VOSA based monitoring
VOSA will monitor your station performance reports for abnormal values (compared with national averages). If these are found, it will ask you to explain them. If you can't do so to their satisfaction, or if you've failed to take appropriate action to rectify them, this will almost certainly trigger a visit from a VE.
What happens next?
If you fall foul of VOSA's disciplinary procedures, you will first be given a caution and then formally interviewed. It's vital that you know your rights at the start of the process.
The VE will then produce a report of his findings for his SVE/Area Manager. VT55 results are automatically passed to Bristol. All other disciplinary results can be dealt with by the local SVE/Area Manager.
VOSA will add any previous unspent points to your current case. If merited, it will issue you with a contemplated withdrawal letter. It's important to understand that both the NT and AE are allocated the points.
When you receive your letter, you will be given 15 WORKING DAYS to make written representations on your behalf.
YOU MUST GET PROFESSIONAL ADVICE AT THIS STAGE.
What should I do?
Our advice is to protect yourself before any of this happens. CVTS offers a range of options, from a complete wrap-around package for less than £2 a day through to a stand-alone representation service. Please remember: we are only a phone call away.
If you want good value for money and real peace of mind, call 02380 226263
