Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 - Free Seminar

Thursday 10th July
The National Motorcycle Museum
Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull
West Midlands B92 0EJ

You are invited to a free seminar and discussion forum at the National Motorcycle Museum to consider:-

• What is scrap metal? The Act's applicability to vehicle salvage operators and dismantlers
• Licensing procedure and concept of a "suitable person”
• Local authority perspective
• Identification requirements and importance of documentation
• Cashless trading, criminal offences and fines
• Police viewpoint

Panel speakers include

• Detective Superintendent Alison Evans, National Co-ordinator, Metal Theft Taskforce
• Mark Norris, Senior Adviser Local Government Association
• Mariel Irvine
• Stephen Walsh QC
• Patrick Gibbs QC

Refreshments will be provided

FREE admission to the National Motorcycle Museum after the seminar

RSVP and queries by 27th June to: mailto:monica@marielirvine.com

THIS IS BEING ORGANISED BY MARIEL IRVINE SOLICITORS, NOT MVDA.  MARIEL IRVINE WILL BE GIVING A PRESENTATION ON THE  SMDA13 AR CARDS2014

MVDA Concern at loss of Lib Dem Supporter of ELV Directive

The End of Life Vehicles Directive lost an important champion last week when Liberal Democrat Chris Davies (North West) failed to hold onto his seat as an MEP in the ‘euro’ elections.

Mr Davies was a strong supporter of the ELV Directive, over the years having repeatedly voiced his concerns about its correct functioning, particularly the fact that vast numbers of vehicles seemed to be by-passing the Certificate of Destruction (COD) system and the legitimate vehicle recycling industry.

Mr Davies was instrumental in getting the ‘scrap tick box’ removed from the UK vehicle registration document V5C, a ‘legal’ mechanism that negated the need for a COD.  He was recently involved again in discussions with UK Government about further COD ‘loopholes’ that had come to light and were suspected to be allowing up to 500,000 vehicles annually to ‘disappear’.

A COD should be issued when every vehicle is scrapped, and can only be issued by a Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF).  But since its introduction in the UK in 2006 the number of CODs issued annually has been consistently much lower than expected (currently about 1.2 million).  This is a problem experienced in much of Western Europe, with enormous levels of illegal dismantling and export.

MVDA fears that, with the loss of such an important campaigner for the ELV Directive, Government is less likely to be scrutinised and held to account for shortcomings in proper enforcement of ELV regulations, allowing the already widespread illegal activities to continue to flourish, and further undermining legitimate UK vehicle recyclers.

MVDA hopes the new incumbents will take a similar interest in this important piece of legislation, which provides significant value to the UK in terms of jobs and environmental benefits, but fears that in the run up to next years general election their interest will be on more populist topics.

Use of Spec Lifts on recovery vehicles

It appears that in recent months there have been a number of instances where enforcement officers are issuing enforcement notices on correctly used spec lifts.

A disabled or broken down vehicle (whether disabled/ broken down due to accident damage or mechanical failure) is one that is incapable of action or use and is exempt from the construction and use braking requirements.  Therefore it can be towed legally using a spec lift without the need for overrun braking systems. This is outlined in Regulation 16.

There are many reasons why a vehicle may be considered disabled/ broken down, but such a vehicle may still be capable of limited movement, inc. movement under its own power on or off a spec lift.   Operators should ensure that no ‘non-disabled or non-broken down’ vehicles are placed on a spec lift and if a disabled or broken down vehicle is on a spec lift and the reason is not obvious for its condition then this is known by the recovery driver.

MVDA offers discounted membership deal at CARS2014

The Motor Vehicle Dismantlers Association is offering a one-off specially discounted first year subscription rate for any new member that joins the Association at CARS2014.  CARS2014 is being held on Thursday 5^th & Friday 6^th June 2014 at Motorhog, Doncaster.  Any new company joining the Association and paying in full at CARS2014 will receive a £100 discount on the first year’s subscription, which is normally £495+VAT.

The MVDA, formed in 1943, represents the interests of UK vehicle recyclers.  The Association provides help & guidance to members in areas such as Site Insurance, Environmental Permitting, Technical Competence, Health & Safety, Recycling Targets, Consumer affairs etc.  MVDA is also particularly active in the fight against illegal operators and problems with motor salvage.  So if you need help in any of these areas or share the concern of MVDA about illegal dismantling/ scrap yards, then why not add your voice to those of other professional vehicle recyclers.

For more information about MVDA and CARS2014 visit our website www.mvda.org.uk.

AWARD FOR AN OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE UK VEHICLE RECYCLING INDUSTRY

This year there will be an award presented by MVDA to an individual or company that has over the years made an outstanding contribution to the UK vehicle recycling industry and deserves recognition as such.  This can be in any aspect of the business – scrap, salvage or parts, auction, IT development, insurance, overseas Trade Association, vehicle manufacture, even Government if you so desire – your thoughts needn’t be restricted to current MVDA members, or indeed any MVDA member.

MVDA members are invited to send their nominations, ASAP, to:

Tracy/ Chas at the MVDA office (01543) 254 254, mail@mvda.org.uk  or

Iona Smith on 020 7633 4526 (Iona.S@letsrecycle.com) or

Chloe Whittaker on 020 7633 4522 (chloe.w@environmentmedia.co.uk)

Important CARS 2014 Information

CHARITY AUCTION LOTS – CAN YOU HELP?

This year CARS2014 event is supporting 2 charities – one local and one national - Firefly & RettUK

At CARS2012 attendees raised a whopping £15,000 through donations and the charity auction

We’re hoping to raise a similar amount again for good causes

But we urgently need auction lots

Ideas for auction lots include the use of a holiday home, tickets to sporting, concert or theatre events, an ipad or iphone, a stay in a luxury hotel or a meal, beauty treatments/ health spa etc.

So if you’d like to help, please contact:

Terry Charlton on 07836 738 560 (terry@charltonautoparts.co.uk) or

Iona Smith on 020 7633 4526 (Iona.S@letsrecycle.com) or

Chloe Whittaker on 020 7633 4522 (chloe.w@environmentmedia.co.uk)