Code's aim is to bar scrap trucks
Page 12
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
by Miles Brignall • A voluntary code of practice for the scrapping of vehicles has been launched by the insurance industry in a bid to stop repaired vehicles ending up back on the road with new identities.
The police, DVLA and the industry have all worked on the code which outlines the procedure for insurers and other salvage operators to abide by when scrapping a vehicle.
Under the code, engineers examining a truck damaged in an accident or a fire will make an assessment of whether it will ever be fit to go back on the road, and will notify the DVLA accordingly. Each damaged vehicle will be given an A, B, C or D rating depending on its state—those in groups A and B will never be allowed to appear on the road again.
Once this rating has been made a new V23 form will have to be submitted to the DVLA with or without the ownership document. The police will then be asked to investigate any application to register a vehicle using the documents of a previous write-off with an A or B rating.
Although voluntary, the scheme is expected to be taken up by the majority of the insurance industry. The Association of British Insurers explains: "The code is aimed at preventing the switching of documents or "ringing" and should help stop potentially dangerous vehicles returning to the road."