I decided to try out one of the MoT/vehicle tax checking apps and started entering my coach registrations.
All was as it should be until one came up with a big red banner saying, 'this vehicle's MoT has expired'. Upon further investigation it also didn't show any MoTs after 2013.
I have owned this vehicle for three years and it has always had a current MoT certificate, so I was more than a little concerned. A phone call to the DVSA confirmed that the coach was not due for its next test until next year (agreeing with my records).
Any parent putting their child on this coach could decide to check the status of the vehicle. The damage that the false information would do to my company is incalculable. With the use of social media, my company's good reputation would be gone and no amount of proof afterwards would totally retrieve it.
I have emailed the DVSA twice, but so far, the notice on my vehicle has not changed. It obviously does not appreciate just how damaging this misinformation could be.
I would recommend that all coach operators check their vehicles, as if you don't, I'm sure there will be customers who will.
Ann Mingay, Trekkers Travel
