UK tank vehicles
UK Department of Transportation has authorised the movement of tank vehicles on the roads, with extended annual roadworthiness test certificates to remain in service. Credit: Adrian Bailey.

The UK Department for Transportation has authorised tank vehicles with extended annual roadworthiness test certificates to remain in service.

This notice permits tank vehicles to stay on roads without a valid alternative dispute resolution (ADR) 1(C) certificate in Great Britain.

It will allow the movement of tank vehicles in the UK until the authorisation is revoked or until the extension of the annual roadworthiness test certificate is withdrawn.

The type of tank vehicles exempted under the announcement include EX, FL, AT and MEMU.

The notice has been released in accordance with Regulation 12 of the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009 (as amended) (CDG 2009).

The annual roadworthiness test certificate is issued under Regulation 23 of the Goods Vehicle (Plating and Testing) Regulations 1988 (as amended).

The valid extension of the certificate is to be issued under Regulation 46 of those regulations.

This authorisation is limited to use of roads in Great Britain and is applicable only to the above mentioned vehicles types.

Another alternate is the issue of a declaration by the operator or maintenance contractor using the guidelines laid by Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

In addition, to be eligible for the notice, the vehicles are required to have an annual technical inspection by an inspection body appointed by the authority of the UK.

This authorisation has been enforced following the suspension of annual roadworthiness tests and annual ADR technical inspections by DVSA.

The decision to halt all tests was taken to prevent the potential spread of Covid-19 due to contact between candidates and test examiners.

Last week, vehicles in the UK were also temporarily exempted from Ministry of Transportation (MOT) testing to enable the continued availability of vital services including essential food and medicine during the pandemic outbreak.

The exemption of cars, motorcycles and vans has been announced for six months effective from 30 March 2020.