DVSA initiative significantly reduces unsafe vehicles on road

Increased access to safety recall information through MOT services leads to a major improvement in vehicle safety

DVSA initiative significantly reduces unsafe vehicles on road
Photo: Bigstock

A significant reduction in unsafe vehicles on the road is a key achievement of a Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) initiative launched in August 2023. This initiative involved incorporating live safety recall data into their MOT digital services.

Previously, many motorists remained unaware of outstanding safety recalls on their vehicles. This new service, available through the MOT History Service, MOT Reminders service, and, since July 2024, the MOT certificate itself, allows drivers to easily check for potential safety issues.

“Getting recalled vehicles fixed promptly has a huge benefit to road safety,” explains Chris Price, Head of MOT at DVSA. “Improved access to vehicle safety recall information means motorists now have more opportunities to ensure their vehicle is safe to drive.”

The results speak for themselves. Over 330,000 vehicles with long-standing, unresolved recall issues have now been rectified. Additionally, rectification rates for recalls by participating manufacturers have increased by nearly 25%, reaching 85% for those open for a full year.

The service has also improved the uptake of newer recalls. In 2021, the rectification rate for all recalls open for a full year was just 60%. With the new service in place, this has risen to between 50% and 70% for recalls within their first year.

While currently covering 55% of vehicles on the road, DVSA is actively encouraging more manufacturers to participate in the scheme.

Here’s how you can check for a safety recall on your vehicle:

  • MOT Testing Service: Alerts MOT testers of outstanding recalls during tests, allowing them to advise customers.
  • Check MOT History: Allows users to see if a vehicle has an outstanding recall on GOV.UK.
  • MOT Reminders Service: Alerts users of outstanding recalls when their MOT is due on GOV.UK.
  • MOT Certificate: Includes recall information for tests conducted from July 19th, 2024 onwards (displayed when printing from GOV.UK).

By working together, the DVSA, vehicle manufacturers, and motorists are making UK roads safer for everyone.

1 Comment

  1. I think this a great idea, as too many manufacturers shy away from trying to ensure these recalls are being done. Just because a car has changed hands or is a few years older than when the recalls were issued/current doe not mean that they as in any less need of having what sometimes can be vital safety or even a potential to cause severe engine damage costing the consumber thousands of pounds

    Reply

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