Overview
In the United Kingdom, all new passenger cars and goods vehicles are subject to a pre-registration process known as Type Approval. This is aimed at ensuring all vehicles comply with an approved type and thus meet the minimum safety and environmental standards. The current system has been in existence since 1983 and for cars was overhauled in 1998 with the implementation of European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA). The European Commission has extended ECWVTA to other vehicle categories (i.e. goods vehicles, buses, trailers and some previously exempted vehicles) and the UK therefore needs to develop a similar National approval scheme to provide manufacturers with the maximum flexibility under these new rules.
This has been an on-going programme of research, which is culminating in the passing of regulations in the UK Parliament in 2009.
The objective is to assist the UK's Department for Transport in developing a National Type Approval Scheme in line with new EC rules for Type Approval.
This research has reviewed the existing National regulatory framework and technical requirements as a basis for new approval schemes in preparation for the extension of ECWVTA. It has also explored the implications for government agencies delivering services to manufacturers and those industry organisations affected. A representative cross section of industry was consulted and informed of the impending changes, and their needs were assessed. A series of reports has been prepared, outlining possible options.