EU Directive 2014/45 can be viewed here.
The Directive updates rules on the periodic testing of motor vehicles and their trailers and, for the first time, introduces roadworthiness testing on tractors used mainly on public roads for commercial non-farming activities.
Why does this matter - what about Brexit?
The UK may have voted to leave the European Union but the process of negotiating the exit may take several years.
Until the Brexit negotiations are complete and the UK has actually left all EU rules and law will continue to apply in the UK. The extent to which EU law will continue to apply in the UK after the Brexit negotiations are finalised is one of the great unknown questions of Brexit at present.
The UK is obliged to amend existing legislation in order to comply with the directive. The deadline for the UK to implement the Directive is 20 May 2018
What vehicles will be affected?
The Directive will introduce testing:
- For tractors which are capable of speeds over 40km/h (approx. 25mph);
- For tractors used mainly on road for commercial purposes for distances greater than 15 miles from the premises of the keeper of the vehicle or premises where the keeper is employed to work;
- Four years after first registration and then every two years.
The DfT propose that:
- Existing AFT centres will deliver the testing for vehicles in scope and to the requirements in existing legislation that apply to vehicles permitted to travel at speeds over 40km/h. Vehicles that are permitted to travel at speeds over 40km/h are required to have such things as a 50% braking efficiency, ABS and all wheel suspension.
- Costs will be similar to a HGV test.
- Similar standards as in a HGV test will be applied.
What will the status of tractors used for agricultural purposes be?
Under the directive member states can exempt tractors used for agricultural, horticultural and forestry purposes. The Department of Transport (DfT) has clearly stated that agricultural tractors will be exempted from testing under this directive.
The NFU has been lobbying for further increases in the maximum permitted weight limit of agricultural tractors and trailers - above the current limit of 31 tonnes. In the consultation the DfT states that if weight increases for agricultural tractors are agreed it will explore the scope for a combined testing scheme covering both tractors used for commercial non-agricultural purposes and agricultural tractors carrying weights over 31 tonnes.
We want to hear from you and your views on:
- The risks from tractors used on road for commercial non-agricultural purposes.
- Whether the use of tractors on road for non-agricultural purposes will increase.
- The approach to identifying which vehicles which will be in scope of testing.
- The proposed testing frequency.
- The use of AFT centres for testing.
- The proposed standard for the test.
- The geographical distribution of vehicles used on road for non-agricultural purposes.
- Whether any vehicles used on road for non-agricultural purposes are currently tested.
Please respond by emailing us, here, no later than 23 October 2016.