All cars in the UK are checked with new IT solution from Siemens Business Services

Munich, May 2, 2006, Siemens Business Services has successfully established a national MOT database and network linking the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) with all authorised MOT testing stations across Great Britain. Rollout of the system to all the vehicle testing stations (in excess of 18,000) in Great Britain commenced on 18 April 2005 and was completed on 31 March 2006. Over 16 million tests have been successfully recorded onto the Siemens Business Services developed system.

The MOT Computerisation scheme is the result of a major effort by VOSA to improve road safety and testing standards as well as reduce fraud and simplify administration. The system will also enable VOSA to have access to more detailed information, such as the most common failure point for vehicles, when the busiest time of year is for MOTs or how many tests are processed per day.

The services provided by Siemens Business Services involved the design, build, installation, financing and operation of the MOT computer system. To support the new system, Siemens Business Services has provided training for users, produced and distributed both the MOT Manuals and the Smart Cards used for identification and access to the system. Siemens Business Services has also established two service desks to support users of the system and a Public Enquiry Service for members of the public to check the MOT status and history of vehicles either via the internet or a telephone helpline.

Alex Fiddes, Director Private Vehicles Sector, VOSA commented: “MOT computerisation is the single, most exciting change to the MOT scheme since its inception in the 1960s. The new system is a huge achievement for VOSA, our partner Siemens Business Services and the MOT garages; the vast majority of whom have welcomed its introduction.”

“Going forward, VOSA staff will use the new system to monitor MOTs and ensure compliance, the maintenance of correct standards and the avoidance of fraud. The database provides the government with accurate data about vehicles and supports the Electronic relicensing of vehicles excise duty.”

Ian Tait, Operations Related Services Director, Siemens Business Services added: “We are delighted with the smooth roll-out of this project and the hugely positive feedback from garages. The computerisation scheme has gone from strength-to-strength during its development and we already have over 16 million MOT records on the database, a figure increasing by an incredible 140,000 tests every day.”

In developing the MOT Computerisation scheme, Siemens Business Services established two mainframes in Blackpool to hold the central database. Vehicle testing stations connect to this central database, which includes vehicle information, test results and details of authorised examiners and testers. Access to the system, for authorised users in the garages, is via Smart Cards and a password. The Smart Card has a contact-less chip inside and the user’s personal photograph on the front.

VOSA users will be able to access the system via their existing computer network or remotely, and vehicle data is being passed between the DVLA database and the MOT Computerisation each day. That data includes the Vehicle Registration Mark, the Vehicle Identification Number, the make, model and colour of vehicle, engine capacity and the type of fuel it runs on. When a vehicle is tested, a match with the DVLA data is sought, to retrieve that data.

The key benefits of the MOT Computerisation programme are as follows:

* Improved testing standards - providing accurate, up-to-date information for MOT testing stations
* Reduction in theft and fraud associated with MOT certificates reduced dependence on paper certificates and the ability for motorists to check MOT Status directly with the central database
* Improved administration - information to and from garages passed electronically; automatic collection and updating of information; electronic ordering and payment systems
* Improved consumer protection and confidence in the MOT test - ensuring more consistent standards; enabling the general public to check if a vehicle passed or failed an MOT via a Public Enquiry Service (PES).; improved protection and easier detection of fraud

VOSA is the executive agency within the Department for Transport which carries out tests and roadside inspections on commercial vehicles, licenses operators and supervises the MOT scheme in Great Britain. The purpose of the MOT test is to ensure that cars, other light vehicles (including some Light Goods Vehicles), private buses and motorcycles, normally over three years old, are checked at least once a year to see that they comply with key roadworthiness and environmental requirements (MOT is an abbreviation for Ministry of Transport, the name of the Department for Transport when the test was first introduced in the 1960’s).

VOSA contact:
Zita Galambosi
Phone: +44-117-954-2561
E-mail: zita.galambosi@vosa.gov.uk Henry Norman
Phone: +44-117-954-3438
E-mail: henry.norman@vosa.gov.uk

A picture can be obtained here:
http://www.siemens.com/sbs-pictures/sbs020506018

Siemens Business Services is an internationally leading IT service provider.
This Siemens Group offers services all along the IT service chain – from consulting to systems integration, right through to the management of IT infrastructures. Thanks to comprehensive know-how and sector-specific expertise, the company provides measurable added value for its customers. With regard to outsourcing and IT maintenance, Siemens Business Services is among the top ten providers worldwide. Sales in fiscal year 2005 (ending 30 September 2005) came to around EUR 5,4 billion, 75 percent of which was achieved outside the Siemens organization. The company currently has approx. 39,000 employees worldwide. Further information at http://www.siemens.com/sbs.

Information Number: SBS 020506.19e

Contact Information

Jörn Roggenbuck

Press Office Siemens Business Services

Siemens Business Services

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