DVSA - the road ahead Market news It's shaping up to be a big year for the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) as it merges with the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and becomes the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency). We look at what it means to you, and what you can expect to see in 2014. The creation of DVSA has three main benefits - efficiency, flexibility and cost effectiveness. The BVRLA has long been calling for government motoring agencies to work more closely together, and supplied evidence to a consultation in March last year. The phased switchover is due for completion on 1 April, but rental and leasing companies won't notice much difference. Aside from the rebranding, it's business as usual. VOSA’s initiatives and activities are still on the agenda. DVSA is promising the continued development of VOSA's Authorised Testing Facility (ATF) programme, and
January saw the UK's 400th ATF open at HTC in Hemel Hempstead. The BVRLA is still calling for VOSA to review fees and start accrediting independent vehicle testers that work for the ATF owner. The BVRLA believes that by employing multi-skilled staff, ATFs will be able to operate flexible and efficient testing services without compromising their ongoing maintenance work. The final phase of whole vehicle type approval will be implemented in October 2014. The BVRLA is working with DVSA and other trade bodies on a service level agreement to set minimum standards for the process of approving and registering vehicles that require Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) to ensure the process is efficient. Finally, the MoT database is in the process of being renewed. The BVRLA is working to ensure the data is more accessible and that more specific detail can be provided in order to improve road safety, help with SMR costs and enable members to manage their fleets more effectively. u
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VOSA's ATF programme still on the agenda
For more information on these topice, see: bvrla.co.uk/advice
BVRLA signs groundbreaking parking agreement with BPA The BVRLA and the British Parking Association (BPA) have agreed a new arrangement aimed at reducing the administrative burden for a number of leasing and rental members. Rental and leasing companies who are BVRLA members should now only be contacted for customer details. Furthermore, they will no longer be required to provide a copy of the
contract to the parking company unless the customer disputes that they were renting or leasing the vehicle at the time of the offence. BVRLA Chief Executive Gerry Keaney and BPA Chief Executive Patrick Troy signed the memorandum of understanding in December 2013. The full memorandum of understanding can be read online see www.bvrla.co.uk.u
BVRLA News | January/February 2014
by Jamie Fretwell, BVRLA Media & Communications Officer Throughout 2014, I'll be looking at stories from the wider industry. Topics in this issue's column include technology, takeovers & politics. Zero emission taxis by 2018 Boris Johnson has announced that all new taxis operating in London must be zero emission in four years. From 1 January 2018, all newly licensed taxis must have zero emission functions, and cabbies will have to switch to this mode when in pollution hotspots. It’s hoped the move will help the UK avoid hefty fines from the EU for failing to meet air quality standards.
Mayor: EV taxis by 2018 Fiat buys Chrysler, becomes the world's 7th largest car company Fiat has taken full control of Chrysler by acquiring the remaining 41.46% stake it did not already hold for $4.35 billion (£2.6bn). The deal values Chrysler at £6.3billion, and means that Fiat is the world’s seventh largest car company. Chrysler will continue as a subsidiary of Fiat. Google wants to have its Android operating system in-car by 2015 Google has partnered with Audi, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai and technolody firm NVIDIA to integrate the Android mobile operating system into cars' dashboards. The technology giant is also working towards developing a driverless car, but envisages the first cars with Android will launch by 2015. u
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