The table shown below is used as a ‘look-up’ table for allocating points to Operators when their vehicles have failed the annual test, or have been issued with prohibition notices. This system enables operators to be compared with each other to highlight those that are performing least well at getting their vehicles through the annual test or passing through spot checks. Operators are credited with straight annual test passes and defect free spot checks.

Operator Targeting: Defect Points System

Using the ‘look-up’ table, points are calculated using:

a) Inspection Manual (IM) numbers which are Weighted: Inspection Manual (IM numbers)

• For safety significance

For example at annual test -

Brake Systems and Components (IM59) score 6
Windscreen Wipers and Washers (IM25) score 2

The weighting is consistent with the seriousness as viewed in the Road Traffic Act 1988 as amended.

The annual test figures are set lower to spot check figures as the emphasis is on the condition of vehicle in the working environment rather than on the condition at the time of test.

b) Whether the Prohibition issued is Immediate or Delayed.

c) S’ Marked Defects:

These are where it is found that there must be a problem with the maintenance procedures of the Operator, in view of the defect found. This, as you can see from the table, loads the defect points value. An example of this is:

IM No. 44 – Oil and Waste Leaks Delayed Prohibition score 6 but if there is deemed to be a maintenance issue then the score increases to 12.

An example of how these tables are used can be viewed by looking at the example Roadworthiness Prohibition Notice

As can be seen each item has been scored using the ‘S’ marked figures as, in this case there is a maintenance problem that has been highlighted with this Operator.

Reports are generated using this information for Examiners to concentrate their efforts on those Operators performing least well with the aim of progressively raising safety standards.