Over the years we have been critical of DVLA for allowing category A & B vehicles to be returned to use on the road, both in the UK and overseas. But it turns out it’s more complicated than might first appear. Some claimants withdraw the claim and retain the damaged vehicles, and some insurers allow claimants to retain salvage as part of the claim settlement. But if someone buys from auction and repairs a category B vehicle, then as long as the vehicle passes a VIC, DVLA are by law currently unable to refuse to issue a new V5. – their hands are tied.
In recent months, it has become clear that DVLA has been getting much tougher on this issue. DVLA will not provide a replacement V5 or export documentation for any category A or B vehicle, irrespective of the cost/ value of the vehicle. We understand that there has recently been a prime example of an overseas customer requesting documentation for a high value cat B vehicle purchased from a UK salvage ‘auction house’ that they wanted to repair overseas. DVLA said NO! MVDA fully support DVLA on this. But MVDA would like to go much further and see all category A and B vehicles destroyed in the UK & a COD issued – no category A or B vehicle should ever have a new V5 issued.
Insurers also have an critical role to play here – it is the responsibility of the insurer and its primary salvage agent to ensure that every category A & B vehicle is destroyed and a COD issued. If the insurers primary salvage agent cannot deliver this, then an alternative salvage agent should be contracted, as there are well established examples of this ‘best practice’. It is also essential that salvage is correctly categorised in the first place, and we all know that this is currently a widespread problem.
Motor Vehicle Dismantlers Association of Great Britain Office 5, Top Floor,
Charrington House, 17A Market St, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 6JX, UK.
Charrington House, 17A Market St, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 6JX, UK.
There is nothing seriously wrong with a CAT B vehicle. It's only theoretical on paper and in the minds of the misinformed few. The affected parts are replaced / repaired at a fraction of the cost by private garages as compared to main dealer / large workshops.
ReplyDeleteI once did up a CAT A "cut and shut" and client sent it to authorised dealer for inspection/assessment. It came out with flying colors. Still motoring after 10 years. This is on African roads, where we don't have roads. It's the technique how you do it. The main criteria is to restore it to original manufacturers specification & standard. The BIG fuss is all about safety, safety, and safety. That's all. Remember, a car is as safe as the "NUT" holding the steering wheel. ( "NUT" : Get it ? ). European roads are a breeze. Marvellous. Give a spankin' new car to a human NUT and then talk about safety. So, why the big fuss, hue and cry ?
DVLA should allow the EXPORT of CAT B cars OUT of the UK. NO mention of CAT B on the V5. Also NO mention of CAT S & N on V5 if vehicle for EXPORT. The UK's vehicles standards & Code of Conduct should apply only within the UK BORDERS( Mainland & Territories ), and NOT extending OVERSEAS. That's different grounds.
ReplyDeleteEach Independent country have their OWN vehicle STANDARDS.
Not right to impose your's on them. Can also rethink reviving bringing CAT B cars back on UK roads, by re-introducing the previous VIC to inspect the VIN & authorised MOT centers' for road worthiness. OR a Govt center that does both.
What a wanton waste of a lovely car......In Africa, our mouths
drool when we see these intact cars sold for a pittance.