Public consultation

In June 2008 DfT and DoE NI launched a public consultation inviting industry and interested individuals to comment on the Road Vehicles (Approval) Regulations 2008, including proposals for national approval schemes, technical requirements and inspection fee levels. The consultation closed on the 22nd August 2008. Details of the proposals consulted on can be found at: www.dft.gov.uk/typeapprovalconsultation

Conclusions

Overall there was strong support to the general principles embodied in our implementation of ECWVTA, including the proposals for UK-wide national approval schemes and trailer entry into service schemes. A number of issues were raised, the majority of which related to bus construction and interior dimensions, school buses and wheelchair accessible vehicles.

We have thoroughly reviewed the responses and have worked closely with industry associations and stakeholders to address the issues raised. Consequently we have made a number of changes, primarily in the following areas:

  • Bus and minibus construction and interior fittings
  • For cars designed to carry wheelchairs, changes have been made with the aim of minimising the costs of compliance whilst maintaining or improving the level of safety enjoyed by occupants of such vehicles
  • A number of minor changes have been made to reduce the administrative burden and the costs of approval
  • School buses will now be known as buses of ‘Class IIIS’ rather than ‘School buses’ to avoid misinterpretation, since school children can still be carried in any bus.

We will proceed as quickly as possible with the implementation of the national approval schemes, and the trailer entry into service schemes. The changes will ensure the schemes meet both the requirements of the Directive and the needs of UK business, while at the same time preserving high levels of safety and environmental performance.

A copy of the full report can be downloaded.