The DVSA is trialling a new way of capturing vehicle images during the MOT test, to help combat fraud, and is looking for workshops to help.
The government body hoped to integrate the MOT picture feature into the service last year. However, initial trials raised problems that needed to be solved before a full rollout could begin. However, methods have been devised to make the process simpler, safer and more secure of use.
While previous plans called for just the vehicle registrations plate to be photographed, the new MOT picture trial asks for an image of the entire vehicle, taken in the testing bay itself. This will help to prevent fraudulent, ghost MOTs taking place.
Combatting fraud
In the future, the DVSA wants to see how technology could interpret the image capture, helping to check the location of the vehicle at the time of the MOT picture, and matching vehicle registrations to data. However, the initial plan is to use the picture to prove the vehicle is present and correct when undergoing the MOT test.
“Whilst it is 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 do every day to keep vehicles safe,” Chris Price, Head of MOT Policy at the DVSA, wrote on the Matters of Testing blog. “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.
“We want to create a level playing field for all, where high quality is the default, and the scourge of fraudulent or substandard testing is minimised. Of course, there is no one thing that will achieve that, but we believe that having an MOT picture at test could be a really helpful enabler.”
According to the DVSA, ghost MOTs account for nearly 80% of all fraudulent MOTs, making it a clear area to be tackled. Knowing if a vehicle is where it should be at the time of test should reduce the number of MOTs carried out when the vehicle is not present, or is not the same vehicle as the details being entered into MTS.
Potentially, both authorised examiners and the DVSA will be able to see the MOT picture stored against the test record, and this will help to crack down on fraud. It will enable the authority to focus efforts on helping garages do the right thing, but also free up time to focus on those who are not, and deal with them accordingly.
Testing the MOT picture service
The new MOT picture prototype feature will prompt testers to take a photo of the vehicle in a testing bay, after they have entered the number plate or VIN. This will need to be done on a phone or tablet. The test can be started on a computer, but images cannot be captured with a webcam.
The service will give prompts on how to capture the MOT picture and what the DVSA is looking for. It will then be saved against the record, and testers will be able to carry out the rest of the MOT as normal. No images stored on a device before or after the test can be uploaded, only images taken from the camera through the MTS at that time will be allowed.
If you would like to help the DVSA to test the new MOT picture feature, fill out this form with your contact information. Should you meet the requirements, a member of the team will be in touch. The DVSA is looking to test the feature with a broad range of different garages and set-ups, so will be selecting participating garages on that basis.
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