F&I Management & Training

There are fears European commercial vehicle regulation could cause "chaos" for fleet operators, according to the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA).

The European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA) for light commercial vehicles, due to be introduced from the end of April 2013, will require additional approval for any modifications made.

The BVRLA has pointed out almost all panel vans will have some modification to equip them for service and the trade body expressed concern that each vehicle would have to be individually re-inspected, tested and approved under the regulation.

The BVRLA is working with the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) on a 'light touch' approval scheme for the more common vehicle modifications, to reduce the burden on fleets and will publish a list of modifications both bodies feel have no impact on a vehicle's original type approval before the regulation comes into force.

John Lewis, BVRLA chief executive, said: "While the VCA's 'light touch' proposal is a step in the right direction, there are still too many unanswered questions and we are very concerned that the system will not be able to cope with this potential new surge in type approval testing.

"This could have a major effect on lead times for fleet van operators, who need to get to grips with the potential time and cost implications involved."

Lewis added the BVRLA and would continue working with the VCA and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency which will police the regulations to avoid delays or additional costs to its members.

DATED: 22.11.12

FEED: MF