NEWS

An article in the “Times” last month, under the heading “Pressure Grows Not To Tinker With The MOT”, featured the results of a nationwide survey of 4,200 drivers, commissioned by the MOT Forum and supported by NTDA and other members of the Forum. These results showed that more than nine in ten believed that the MOT should stay as it is. According to the research, 92 per cent of respondents believed that used cars should be tested annually on road-safety grounds, rather than every two years, as under EU Regulations. It also found that 93 per cent did not believe that the cost of the annual MOT – the test starts at £54.85 – was an unnecessary burden on motorists. The survey was commissioned after Mike Penning, the Transport Minister, announced he was considering relaxing the MOT to an EU regime in which new cars are not tested for roadworthiness until they are four years old, and then every other year. The MOT stipulates the first test after three years and then annually. Many NTDA members responded to a request from the Association to poll customers having MOTs to see what their attitude was to the MOT test and the results were very supportive of maintaining the current regime of 311 on strong safety grounds. The NTDA along with other

Sub rates heldSubscriptions for 2011 have been held at the same rate as 2010 in an effort to help members in these times of financial stress. Holding at 2010 rates now means that subscriptions have only increased by a total of 1.84% in the past four years... way below inflation. Commented NTDA Director Richard Edy, “We continue to keep a tight rein on costs and, whilst we are as active as we have ever been, I am pleased to be able to hold subscriptions at 2010 levels.” An increasing number of members are taking advantage of our interest free direct debit scheme to pay subscriptions over six months. If you wish to join the scheme please contact: richardedy@ntda.co.uk

members of the MOT Forum, of which the NTDA was a founder member, has warned that such a move could lead to 400 more deaths a year on the roads. In addition, it is claimed that a less frequent testing regime would cost 40,000 jobs among thousands of small garages, which employ about 100,000 staff.The Forum is also looking at a number of positive ideas to put to ministers that will benefit both vehicle safety and the motorist, including a new approach to the part played by the condition of tyres in the MOT test. All Associations, however, are totally opposed to any change in frequency of testing, given its potential devastating effect on road safety. Mr Penning has said that the DfT will review the MOT regime to “strike the right balance between vehicle safety and the burden imposed on motorists”. The Department is said to believe that modern manufacturing methods mean cars are now far safer. It is understood that the DfT could consider moving to a scheme in which cars are tested on a mileage basis rather than that of age, favouring light users of cars and penalising heavy commercial users. Other Trade Association members of the MOT Forum include the Retail Motor Industry Federation and the Scottish Motor Trade Association.

Industry survey reveals 92% of motorists support Annual MOT Tests

Snow plays havoc with trade…The terrible weather conditions in December played havoc with members’ businesses, with many reporting that they were unable to trade as a result of the record snow falls. The NTDA was busy promoting the sale of cold weather tyres and we received many enquiries from members of the public about availability, which was proving a real problem. Wholesalers were suffering from lack of stock and the unprecedented level of enquiries attracted a lot of publicity, and even prompted the Minster for Transport to make some strangely uninformed comments in the House about cold weather tyres affecting the road surface! The Association, along with many others, wrote to the Minister, who quickly admitted that his comments were being confused with the use of snow chains and a retraction quickly followed. It was some ten years ago that the NTDA staged the first ever Conference on cold weather tyres in Birmingham and whilst this attracted a lot of interest at the time, with over 100 attending, little support was forthcoming from the trade. However now following two atrocious winters the market for cold weather tyres is booming and the NTDA will be talking with both wholesalers and manufacturers to ensure that the potential for this relatively new market for the UK can be fully exploited next year.

NEWSwww.ntda.co.uk

Alison’s New York date with Michael BubléNTDA’s TyreLink Manager Alison Fitzgerald got an early Christmas present when she won a competition on Heart Radio to go and see, and meet, her idol Michael Bublé at Madison Square Gardens earlier this month. Alison certainly got Michael’s attention from the VIP enclosure of the iconic New York venue wearing her special “Everybody Loves The Bubes” t-shirt.

Shocking results of part worn tyre survey

The December issue of the Service Bulletin included a detailed review of the results of our recent Part Worn Tyre Survey which was supported by many members throughout the country.The results show that many of the tyres tested were potentially dangerous, as well as representing poor value for money.In a mystery shopper exercise in September, NTDA members

were invited to purchase part worn tyres locally and then check them against a brief supplied by the Association, based on the legal requirements. The results proved a real eye-opener in that 12% of the tyres had a cut over 25mm long, deep enough to reach the tyre ply or cord and a similar percentage had a bulge or lump, caused by a structural failure. 10% of the tyres did not carry the E-mark, which means that they cannot legally be sold in Europe.However, the really frightening statistics were that 15% had a ply or cord exposed, while 22% showed signs of damage caused by penetration that had not been repaired, thus greatly increasing the chances of a blow-out. In addition to safety concerns, the survey confi rmed that part worn tyres can prove to be a false economy as 54% of respondents paid upwards of £20 for their part worn tyre. Legislation says that a part worn must have at least 2mm of tread remaining, which is only 0.4mm above the legal minimum. The results will be published on our behalf by TyreSafe early in the New Year and will draw attention, nationally, to the safety issues surrounding the sale of part worns which are becoming a real option for some hard pressed motorists.

The December issue of the Service Bulletin included a detailed review of the results of our recent Part Worn Tyre Survey which was supported by many members throughout the country.The results show that many of the tyres tested were

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NEWSwww.ntda.co.uk

SERVICE BULLETIN

Part Worn Tyre Survey

In the past, surveys of part worn tyre dealers have

consistently shown that the vast majority of part

worns on sale are illegal. The laws relating to the

sale of part worns are very clear and cover a number

of points, including the condition of the tyre, tread

depth and sidewall markings required.

In September, the NTDA invited member companies

to take part in a nationwide survey of part worn tyres

to see if the situation had changed. An employee

from each participating company purchased a part

worn tyre from a local dealer, posing as a member

of the public, and the tyre was then checked against

a brief supplied by the NTDA, based on the legal

requirements. This brief and the results are given

below.

CONDITION

Part worn tyres are NOT permitted to have any of the

following defects, when either defl ated or infl ated to

the highest pressure at which they are designed to

operate. Please indicate whether the tyre has any of

the following:

1. Any cut over 25mm or 10% of the section width

of the tyre (whichever is the greater) on the

outside of the tyre, deep enough to reach the

ply or cord.

YES 10% NO 90%

2. Any internal or external lump, bulge or tear

caused by separation or partial failure of its

structure.

YES 15% NO 85%

3. Any ply or cord exposed internally or externally.

YES 10% YES 90%

4. Any penetration damage that has not been

repaired.

YES 20% NO 80%

When infl ated, the tyre must not exhibit any

signs of the defects as listed above and, in

addition, part worn tyres MUST BE in such a

condition that:

5. The base of any groove that showed in the

original tread pattern of the tyre must be clearly

visible.

YES 83% NO 17%

Need we say more!!!!!

A repair which is clearly on the sidewall and does

not comply with BSAU 144?

If there are any topics that you would like to see included in future service bulletins please contact the Editor Peter

Gardner by email at: petergardner5@btinternet.com or NTDA direct at: info@ntda.co.uk or call 0889 67 07 07.

Issue 12/10

Season’s Greetings

to our all members

and Best Wishes for a

Happy and Prosperous 2011

2011 date agreed for NTDA/TAFF Awards DinnerAfter some debate it has been agreed that the 2011 Dinner will be held at the Birmingham Metropole on October 20th. Details of cost, the speaker etc will be announced early in the New Year but members, and friends, are encouraged to set the date aside – and book early, remember, the 2010 event was a ‘sell out’!

Resounding support for ban on Run Flat Repairs...Members have given resounding support to a proposal that run fl ats should not be repaired. In a recent survey over 70% supported a complete ban on repairs to run-fl ats.The survey was issued as Council felt that members should be consulted on whether the Association should adopt a clearer stance on this important issue. Many members have been faced with accusations of profi teering by motorists being told that repairs are not feasible so clear advice will be communicated to members following the next meeting of Council in the early New Year.

Bristol and Glasgow Health and Safety Workshops for 2011The successful Health and Safety Seminars, which have already attracted over 100 members and guests, will move further afi eld in the New Year with events planned in Bristol and Glasgow in March.The Gables Hotel, Falfi eld, Bristol is the location for the March 8th event and then up to Scotland on 24th March for the fi nal workshop in the series at Garfi eld House, Stepps, Glasgow. Members wishing to book a place should contact: alisonfi tzgerald@ntda.co.uk