Apprenticeship levy raises concerns, says NFDA
In April 2017 a new apprenticeship levy will be introduced with the purpose of increasing the quality and number of apprenticeships across UK. Employers with a wage-bill of less than £3 million will not pay the levy, whereas those with a wage-bill of £3 million or more will have to contribute at a rate of 0.5 per cent of their pay bill. However, the first £3 million of the payroll will be excluded by a discount that will give some relief, in line with smaller businesses.
Continue ReadingUS OTR tyre import tariffs revised
On 20 April 2016 the US Department of Commerce (DOC) revised down OTR tyre import duties Nine firms were initially covered by the ruling, however DOC found that of these nine exporters, two mandatory respondents, Qingdao Qihang Tyre Co., Ltd. and Xuzhou Xugong Tyres Co., Ltd. made sales of subject merchandise at less than normal value.
Continue ReadingUK cars exceed laboratory emissions standards in real-world conditions
All 37 UK of the cars the government test in the wake of the automotive emissions scandal that began with VW last year exceed laboratory emissions standards in real-world conditions. However none of the vehicles tested in the UK programme showed evidence of defeat devices except VW models. The UK government published its research into emissions levels from leading diesel car models, fulfilling a commitment to consumers to investigate potential manipulation of emission controls, on 21 April 2016 – just as leading car manufacturers (beginning with Mitsubishi) began making statements about their involvement in the emissions scandal.
Continue ReadingBridgestone calls for UK to follow Ireland’s lead in illegal tyre fines
Bridgestone has called on the UK Government to implement mandatory fines on motorists who drive with defective or worn tyres. The manufacturer said the UK should follow Ireland’s lead in the interests of road safety; the Irish minister for transport, tourism and sport, Paschal Donohoe announced the new fixed charge notice (FCN) offence for motorists in mid-April, with fines of €80 now in effect.
Continue ReadingGerman marques to recall 600,000 cars due to emissions
Several online sources are reporting that a number of German car manufacturers are planning to recall large numbers of vehicles as part of the ongoing vehicle emissions scandal. Sources suggest Mercedes, Opel and Porsche as well as Volkswagen and its Audi brand are to recall certain diesel vehicles. BBC news reports that over 600,000 cars are set to be recalled, citing German media reports.
Continue ReadingNMRO, Regulatory Delivery and the changing face of tyre labelling enforcement in the UK
Believe it or not, the history of the body responsible for enforcing tyre labelling legislation in the UK goes back to the Magna Carta. Nowadays, they are known as National Measurement and Regulation Office or NMRO and form part of the government Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS)’s “Regulatory Delivery” organisation. However, there is quite a lot more to it than that.
Continue ReadingGarage associations seek 3-1-1 MOT support from the SNP
The Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI) and Scottish Motor Trade Association (SMTA) met with Drew Hendry MP, Scottish National Party (SNP) Transport spokesperson in the House of Commons, to present a case against extending the MOT test for new cars. During the 2015 Budget it was announced that the Government would consult on extending the period of time before a new car receives its first MOT test from three years to four. The RMI and SMTA are concerned that a new ‘4-1-1’ system would severely jeopardise road safety in the UK.
Continue ReadingMSTYR15 tyre labelling enforcement project welcomed by UK tyre business
Following the news that 15,000 tyres and their labels will be checked over the next two years as part of the Market Surveillance Action on Tyres 2015 (MSTYR15) project, representatives of the UK tyre business have welcomed the news that surveillance and enforcement steps are increasingly being taken across Europe.
Continue ReadingEU tyre label under scrutiny – authorities begin 24-month project
One of the chief criticisms of the European tyre label since its introduction in November 2012 is the absence of effective third-party control; abuse is inevitable in a system that allows tyre manufacturers to evaluate their own products. The Market Surveillance Action on Tyres 2015 (MSTYR15), a project funded by the European Commission’s Horizon2020 programme and coordinated by the Product Safety Forum of Europe (PROSAFE), aims to bring accountability into tyre labelling.
Continue ReadingSmall businesses win in 2016 budget
British Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt. Hon George Osborne MP’s 2016 budget lowers tax rates for small businesses, however large businesses face stamp duty and other increases. The surprise announcement of government-backed “Lifetime ISAs” is designed to help everyone save more for the future. But, at the same time as this, larger personal tax allowances were announced – suggesting people will have great levels of disposable income now as well.
Continue ReadingGarage owners and testers imprisoned for carrying out fraudulent MOTs
Following a Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) investigation, the garage owners and two MOT testers who worked at the Kyhber and Berbice Garage at Endsleigh Industrial Estate in Southall were sentenced following pleading guilty to conspiring to fraudulently issue MOT certificates. Shorab Jadunandan and Sanjay Spolia who were the registered owners of the garage employed Graham Cahill and Olayinka Fadayomi as MOT testers. During the investigation it was discovered that MOT certificates were being issued for cars that had never been tested on the premises.
Continue ReadingMomo tyres to be manufactured in Europe
The Italian tyre brand Momo Tires has signed a contract to manufacture Momo tyres “in Europe”. According to the company, the new partnership includes the production of three brand new models, along with an innovative “four season” tyre to complete the line-up. However, no further details of exactly where the tyres will be produced have yet been released. In answer to questions from Tyres & Accessories, Momo representatives simply said they will publish the name of the producer and the factory soon, which could suggest it is a manufacturer with more than one factory.
Continue ReadingNMRO and BRDO merge into single regulator
The UK Better Regulation Delivery Office (BRDO) and National Measurement and Regulation Office (NMRO) are merging into a single Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) directorate from 1 April 2016. The goal of the new entity, which will be known as “Regulatory Delivery”, will be to focus on regulation and enforcement. This in turn is likely to impact the way legislation such European Tyre Labelling is monitored and enforced.
Continue ReadingIt’s not just your health that smoking can damage
National No Smoking Day falls on 9 March and serves as a reminder of the new law, which bans smoking in vehicles carrying children. Not only is this a timely health warning, but motor industry valuation specialist, cap, warns that smoking in the car can also damage the resale value of vehicles. With this in mind, cap urges car owners to stub out the cigarette for a healthier body and bank balance.
Continue ReadingGEA and IGA challenge waste oil burning decision
The Independent Garage Association (IGA) director Stuart James and Garage Equipment Association (GEA) chief executive Dave Garratt have agreed to meet Rory Stewart, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Environment and Rural Affairs, in early March to discuss concerns related to changes to the guidance for the Environmental Permitting (England & Wales) Regulations 2010.
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