Safety first for consumers as DVSA publishes its Market Surveillance Unit (MSU) programme results

Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency sent this bulletin at 23-11-2023 02:49 PM GMT
blue car investigated by MSU for engine modification

Safety first for consumers as DVSA publishes its Market Surveillance Unit programme results

DVSA has published its first Market Surveillance Unit (MSU) report on vehicle and component testing.

The MSU inspects vehicles, trailers, parts, and equipment to make sure they are safe for people to buy and use. It also checks that they meet current and relevant environmental standards.

Vehicle and component testing

The report looks at their vehicle and component testing programme in a number of areas, including:

  • tyre labelling and part-worn tyres
  • brake pads
  • advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)
  • exhausts and silencers including modification systems
  • certificates of conformity
  • trailers

Taking action

When DVSA finds evidence of unsafe or illegal vehicles, products or parts it can:

  • offer advice and guidance
  • issue warnings
  • issue recall notices
  • issue fines (called civil penalties)
  • report the individual or business for consideration of prosecution

The report provides details of the action taken in 2023, including advising and reminding 37 tyre suppliers of their obligations and issuing 2 suppliers with civil penalty compliance notices.

Read the Market Surveillance Unit vehicle and component testing programme report.