Fast-fit business Hi-Q has been working with the Vehicle and Operator Service Agency to trial computerised MoTs in preparation for the planned national launch this summer.

The Goodyear Dunlop-owned business is fully behind computerisation and, despite VOSA’s repeated delays in its roll-out, believes the system will bring great benefits for both operators and consumers.

“It’s more secure, allows for more advice to be passed to customers in terms of faults, and provides an on-going record that can, if required, be accessed by those buying a car and wanting to check its history,” says operations manager Paul Michell.

The Hi-Q stations involved in the pilot have almost completed their trials, and already have the necessary hardware in place. Once its MoT inspectors have completed the training, Hi-Q is confident of offering computerised testing in all its company-owned outlets by the autumn.

The MoT pilot is the latest in a programme of initiatives. For the past 18 months, the company has also been piloting a Café Dunlop programme for service customers.

“Rather than just put a coffee machine in the corner, we’re trying to upgrade that and make it a more enjoyable experience,” says Neil Burrows, Goodyear Dunlop marketing director.

“We’ve only tried this in about six outlets. It has had an effect on how people feel about the outlet. Initiatives like this wouldn’t fit into every store in the country, but those are the sort of things we want to look at,” he says.

“We’re looking at how we can help, not just put up standards but how we can practically help the trade to move forward.”