Traffic Commissioner update in response to Covid-19, PMI Relaxation and how they apply

The Traffic Commissioners have released an update to their recent post on practical advice for those businesses with an operators licence, which is intended to keep them to legal and compliant. This is our summary of points relevant to customers who use our software.

Although it is always recommended that a pre-use inspection (PMI) is carried out prior to putting vehicles that have been stood idle back into service, the traffic commissioners recognise that operators will want to start using vehicles as soon as possible and there may be delays in businesses starting again when there may not be enough slots available at maintainers to inspect vehicles. It might also be the case that the workshop that normally deals with the PMI or routine maintenance is not operational due to the Covid-19 Lock-down.

Therefore, for fleets that are unused during this period the following principles can apply:

• The PMI schedule is frozen or paused during the period that the vehicle is not used
• The time to the next inspection can include any relaxation that applied to relevant vehicles under question 6 (follow link)
• If the vehicle has exceeded its normal or, if it qualified for the relaxation at question 6, its extended PMI period, a technically competent person, (technician if possible) is to carry out an enhanced walkaround check, which includes tyre pressure measurement and brake performance test. The brake performance test, if not undertaken on a roller brake tester, will include a measured temperature check of the brakes after a road test. The temperatures are to be recorded and retained
• Vehicles over 12 years old and more than 50% or 4 weeks, whichever is greater, over their PMI cycle will receive a full preventative maintenance inspection before use
• Regardless of the combination of relaxations applied, no vehicle will be put into service if more than 17 weeks has elapsed since the last full PMI

An example of this would be for a technically competent person, (technician if possible) to carry out an enhanced walkaround check, which includes tyre pressure measurement and brake performance test. The brake performance test, which if not undertaken on a roller brake tester, with a measured temperature check of the brakes after a road test. The vehicle then has a further 5 weeks to schedule the next PMI, not 6 as that would take it in excess of the 17-week backstop.

In which case we have created the relevant check for you to use and record the details in accordance with the guidelines.

Our simple and easy to use App can make carrying out the PMI a paperless process. Technicians are able to undertake a check on their smartphone or tablets.

The “Enhanced Walkaround Checks” we have created not only allows you to check the general health of the vehicle or equipment but will also enable you to record tyre and brake information mentioned above. Both the PMI and Enhanced Walkaround Check reports will be stored against the vehicle registration number and showing a chronological timeline of events. In this way even in these difficult times you remain compliant.

Call 01282 908429 or email support@checkedsafe.com to enable these checks