VOSA to rethink headlight test
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Steve Biddle, the RHA’s head of technical services reports that VOSA is addressing the perennial issue of headlamp aim
Steve Biddle the RHA's head of technical services reports that the
Vehicle Operator Services Agency is conducting a study into issues
surrounding headlamp aim.
Biddle says: 'VOSA takes this matter very seriously and is trying to identify reasons for annual test failure. In the short term additional guidance has been given to testing staff that emphasises and expands on current guidance and VOSA is looking at new equipment specification in conjunction with the Garage Equipment Association.’
Following the introduction of the LET PLA20 headlamp aim tester into goods vehicle testing stations, headlamp aim accounts for the highest failure rate at annual test. The problem has caused considerable problems for goods vehicle operators.
The issue of headlamp aim has been raised with VOSA consistently by the trade associations. Evidence shows that even headlamps set up using established equipment on the day of the test go on to fail the test proper, conducted a short time after.
Biddle adds that in the longer term, VOSA is conducting a further study into headlamp aim. The study has five work streams to it, all of which should be complete by the end of February. A report on the findings should be available by the end of March 2007.
In a statement VOSA told ROADWAY: ‘Consistency and confidence in results can only be achieved by ensuring the same process limits are applied in all locations and by all staff involved in vehicle inspection. By adopting this approach along with ongoing research VOSA will be in a confident position to consider and make recommendations on appropriate procedures and standards if required by stakeholders.’
Biddle says: 'VOSA takes this matter very seriously and is trying to identify reasons for annual test failure. In the short term additional guidance has been given to testing staff that emphasises and expands on current guidance and VOSA is looking at new equipment specification in conjunction with the Garage Equipment Association.’
Following the introduction of the LET PLA20 headlamp aim tester into goods vehicle testing stations, headlamp aim accounts for the highest failure rate at annual test. The problem has caused considerable problems for goods vehicle operators.
The issue of headlamp aim has been raised with VOSA consistently by the trade associations. Evidence shows that even headlamps set up using established equipment on the day of the test go on to fail the test proper, conducted a short time after.
Biddle adds that in the longer term, VOSA is conducting a further study into headlamp aim. The study has five work streams to it, all of which should be complete by the end of February. A report on the findings should be available by the end of March 2007.
In a statement VOSA told ROADWAY: ‘Consistency and confidence in results can only be achieved by ensuring the same process limits are applied in all locations and by all staff involved in vehicle inspection. By adopting this approach along with ongoing research VOSA will be in a confident position to consider and make recommendations on appropriate procedures and standards if required by stakeholders.’
