To increase your vehicle’s safety and minimise risk of break down, ERS is working in partnership with the Freight Transport Association to provide an independent LGV inspection services to guide people when buying their horsebox.

For over 40 years FTA’s Vehicle Inspection Service has been supporting companies by inspecting and auditing the safety, legality and overall performance of their commercial vehicles, related equipment and general maintenance arrangements. FTA’s team of over 130 qualified vehicle and equipment engineers, operating to a single national standard, carry out over 2,300 inspections every week, ensuring that you have complete confidence in the reliability of the vehicle you are purchasing.

FTA’s LGV Inspection Service have been accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), providing the peace of mind that you are receiving a first class inspection service from totally independent, competent and experienced engineers, who ensure the vehicle you are considering buying is operating both safely and legally as laid down by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA).

Buying a horsebox can be very expensive, so safe guard your investment by getting expert advice and guidance from a qualified engineer, it could save you hundreds of pounds in the longer run and will afford you the benefit of an informed choice before you buy.

Benefits

• Reduced maintenance and costs - by the early detection of defects prevention of unnecessary repairs
• Increased vehicle reliability - through independent, quality inspections delivered by UKAS accredited vehicle service
• Increase confidence - allowing you to make an informed purchase
• Peace of mind - that your vehicle is operating safely and legally compliant

Inspections available

Maintenance Inspection

Covers the following areas:

• Legality of the vehicle
• Tyres
• Engine, Cooling System
• Fuel System
• Exhaust System
• Clutch, Gearbox, Transmission
• Suspension
• Electrical System, Lights, Reflectors
• Steering Gear
• Chassis, Frame
• Wheels, Axles
• Braking System
• Bodywork, Ancillary Equipment
• Road/Brake Test
• A comprehensive breakdown of all the components checked and a ‘coding’ for each separate area allows you to realise the extent of the condition of the component and its potential to become a defect given time.

Pre-Purchase Inspection

Includes all the benefits of the Maintenance Inspection, plus the following:

• An extended Road Test, bringing the vehicle to normal operating temperature which allows for the detection of faults that may not be apparent when the vehicle is stationary.
• Inspection of Test and Weight certificates and recording of expiry dates.
• In depth tyre inspection recording tyre makes, sizes and serial numbers.
• Inspection of ancillary equipment.
• Interior inspection.

DEFRA Inspection and Certification

Mainly for the professional horse transporters, this inspection ensures that the vehicle complies with the Welfare in Transport Regulations 1/2005 and covers the following areas:

• General structure
• Roof
• Feeding equipment
• Partitions
• Water supply
• Ventilation and temperature control
• Temperature monitoring
• Securing points
• Loading / unloading equipment
• Satellite based tracking, data recording and transmission systems.

Prices

All prices include 15% VAT.

For further information about horsebox inspections, or to book, please contact our Membership team on 01300 348 997.