“It’s long been a grey area, but these new guides shed more than a little light on this difficult subject”

The guides, which contain a wealth of pictures illustrating numerous examples of what can be considered as acceptable – or unacceptable – fair wear and tear, have been developed in conjunction with Manheim Auctions and the Freight Transport Association (FTA). “It’s a good time for the commercial vehicle world,” says John Lewis, BVRLA director general. “The BVRLA, in conjunction with Manheim Auctions and the FTA, is providing definitive return standards for end of contract commercial vehicles.

“It’s long been a grey area, but these new guides shed more than a little light on this difficult topic. Now, lessees will know what standard vehicles will have to be returned in so that they can avoid refurbishment charges. “The pictures provide real examples so that the standard is very clearly defined,” Lewis continues. “Words alone would still lead to misinterpretation, but with a picture it’s there in black and white – or, in this case, full colour.” The heavy goods vehicles guide has been produced in association with the FTA, and Business Services Director Steve Agg says: “Ensuring the legal compliance of HGVs is essential, but, at the same time, the benefit of a good maintenance and repair regime will lower operating costs and reduce the likelihood of incurring condition charges on the vehicle’s return.

“Assessing fair wear and tear is emotive and subjective, which is why we have worked with the BVRLA and sought the opinions of many interested parties to put together this guide for heavy goods vehicles. It is hoped it will form the basis of a standard that everyone will eventually work to.” The guide covers all aspects of non-mechanical HGV wear and tear with a large number of photographs giving detailed examples of both what is fair wear and tear and what is not. Split into sections, the guide deals with cab interiors including seating and bunks, cab exteriors including body panels, bumpers, glass and lenses, as well as more specialist areas such as curtain siders.

Meanwhile, the “Fair Wear and Tear” guide for light commercial vehicles , developed in close association with Manheim Auctions, sets the standard for fair wear and tear for all commercial vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes. “The close cooperation with Manheim Auctions in developing this guide has certainly paid dividends,” says Lewis. “It’s an industry first, but more important than that, the guide sets the standards for the return condition of vehicles at the end of the rental or contract period. “We’ve been able to draw on Manheim’s extensive experience in this field and, allied to our own experience, have drawn up a set of standards that are fair, reasonable and objective.

“Both operators and rental or contract hire companies now have a set of standards to adhere to, standards that are simply laid out and that will eliminate many of the all too frequent disputes about return condition that commonly cause friction between customers and suppliers,” Mr Lewis continues. “The BVRLA believes that these standards will be quickly adopted across the rental and leasing industry as the authoritative guide to return condition, a guide where both customer and supplier are aware of their responsibilities, which will, in turn, lead to a substantial reduction in disagreement over what is fair, and what is unfair, wear and tear.”

Commercial vehicle director at Manheim Auctions, Alex Wright, says: “Fair Wear and Tear has long been a contentious issue and we’re delighted that we have produced this guide that clearly sets out what is fair wear and tear and what is not. “All too often, we see vehicles arrive at auction where, had the operator paid more attention to the condition of the vehicle, he would not now be facing refurbishment charges from the rental or contract hire company.”