Operators can now extend time between Preventative Maintenance Inspections (PMI) up to 50% to ease the pressure on workshops and operators, according to the latest coronavirus guidance issued by the Office of Traffic Commissioners (OTC).
The statement said: ‘PMI intervals can be extended by up to 50% with a maximum of 17 weeks, whichever is the lesser, if it’s not possible to obtain the PMI under the normal inspection arrangements.’
It means a six weekly PMI could now take place at nine weeks. This guidance applies to all standard licence holders and specific restricted licence holders carrying out essential work ‘where normal maintenance arrangements are affected by Covid-19’.
If the concession is used, advised the Senior Traffic Commissioner Richard Turfitt, ‘robust daily driver checks and effective use of vehicle monitoring systems are even more important’.
Operators who use of the relaxation in PMI schedules should update their licence records online and ensure lorry drivers carry workshop documentation justifying the concession, which must be produced to roadside enforcement agencies on request.
‘Where the workshop facility is unavailable, operators should consider using mobile inspections at operating centres. An instrumented brake test should still be conducted,’ he added.
For more information click onto the OTC website.
