Recent DVSA data has uncovered a concerning link between the time passed following an annual test (MOT) and vehicles being issued a roadworthiness prohibition.
Commercial vehicles are issued 10 times more prohibitions 3 months after their MOT.
DVSA remind all operators that they have a responsibility to ensure roadworthiness standards of all vehicles are being maintained throughout the year.
Drivers checks
The same DVSA data has shown that more than 60% of HGV prohibition defects are the type which could have been reported by the driver had they carried out a thorough walkaround check before beginning their journey or noticed the defect while the vehicle was in service.
Both operators and drivers are responsible for making sure their vehicles are in good working order when they leave their base of operations.
Further information:
https://movingon.blog.gov.uk/2022/09/20/managing-in-service-defects/