IRTE Professional Sector Council Member Neil Mitchell delivers insightful presentation on commercial and public service vehicle defects.
The Scottish Ayrshire Centre started its 2024 CPD lecture series with a thought-provoking presentation by Neil Mitchell, IRTE Professional Sector Council Member. Held at the Park Hotel in Kilmarnock, the talk delved into commercial and public service vehicle defects encountered during roadside inspections and annual MOT checks.
As a seasoned industry veteran with a career spanning back to 1981, Neil started his journey as an apprentice heavy goods vehicle technician and then started to work with the Vehicle Inspectorate (VI), now known as the DVSA. With such an expansive career Neil has witnessed firsthand the evolution of the industry and the ever-present challenge of vehicle safety.
Using a compelling blend of photography and video, Neil’s PowerPoint presentation painted a stark image of the dangers lurking beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary vehicles. Insecure wheels, defective tyres, malfunctioning brakes, faulty lights – the sheer volume and severity of these issues underscored the critical importance of proper maintenance and inspection.
The audience, consisting of IRTE members and guests, resonated deeply with Neil’s message. The IRTE's longstanding efforts in promoting best practices for road wheel removal, such as the correct use of Wheel Chocks, and re-fitment were acknowledged. Yet, the prevalence of wheel-related incidents served as a reminder that vigilance remains of utmost importance.
Moving beyond wheels, Neil shed light on a multitude of defects afflicting various vehicle components, from mirrors and tachographs to bodywork, steering, and suspension systems. The alarming sight of safety warnings that are often ignored or misunderstood highlighted the crucial role of driver training and awareness in ensuring road safety.
Neil thoroughly explained the DVSA's protocol for handling prohibitable defects, ranging from driver education to fixed penalty notices. He further delved into the investigative procedures triggered by recurring defects, potentially leading to operator scrutiny by the Traffic Commissioner.
As the presentation progressed, a common question emerged: what's the most frequent offender? Neil highlighted "You never know what to expect next. However, he pinpointed load security as a growing concern, with inadequate securing methods and lack of familiarity with equipment posing significant risks.
The final segment tackled the MOT inspections and the variety of defects encountered. This once again sparked discussion, particularly regarding the licensing of vehicle repairers and technicians. The underlying message: entrusting poorly maintained vehicles to unqualified personnel can have dire consequences for both operators and the public.
Following the presentation, a Q&A session allowed attendees to delve deeper into specific concerns. Centre Chairman Joe Younger expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Mitchell for delivering such a comprehensive and informative lecture. Even as refreshments were served, Mitchell remained engaged, readily engaging in further discussions with members and guests.
“Was That Avoidable?” proved to be more than just a presentation; it was a powerful call to action. By shedding light on the often-overlooked world of vehicle defects, Neil Mitchell ignited a conversation that has the potential to transform the industry and prioritise safety on our roads. The Ayrshire Centre's inaugural CPD lecture of 2024 served as a potent reminder that vigilance, education, and qualified professionals are critical ingredients in the recipe for a safer transportation landscape.