Well no real surprise in the weasel worded response. Lets not think of the people lets just make it easy for us.
Anyway you have the contact details if you feel like ranting
Rt Hon Dr Thérèse Coffey MP
House of Commons
London
SW1A 0AA
29 April 2021
Dear Thérèse,
Thank you for your email of 20 April, enclosing correspondence from your constituent, about changes to the MOT inspection manual and the use of light emitting diode (LED) bulbs.
The MOT inspection manual is periodically reviewed and updated to ensure that the MOT test keeps up to date with the evolving vehicle market and is an important part of ensuring motorists can keep their vehicle safe and roadworthy.
I understand that Mr Hayes’ vehicle is a model from 2014, and that the headlamp units are designed for use with halogen bulbs. As Mr Hayes notes, the recent changes prohibit the fitting of LED bulbs to an existing halogen headlamp unit. This is to ensure that aftermarket components fitted to a vehicle meet the required standards and are type approved. This type approval can only be granted to a lighting unit as a whole (i.e. the outer lens, reflector, and bulb), and not an LED bulb on its own.
The reason that these changes to the MOT inspection manual do not apply to vehicles first used before 1 April 1986 is to ensure that the MOT inspection manual aligns with the established requirements of the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations (1989) as amended. Vehicles first registered before 1 April 1986 are not required to have type approved dipped beam headlamps, therefore light sources can be used provided they do not cause undue dazzle or discomfort to other road users. Motor vehicles first registered after this date must have type approved headlamps and light sources.
I hope this clarification is helpful. Please extend my gratitude to Mr Hayes for writing in with his concerns.
From the Secretary of State
The Rt. Hon. Grant Shapps
Great Minster House
33 Horseferry Road
London
SW1P 4DR
Tel: 0300 330 3000
E-Mail: grant.shapps@dft.gov.uk
Web site:
www.gov.uk/dftOur Ref: MC/339550
Yours ever,
Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP
SECRETARY OF STATE FOR TRANSPORT
