Mad indeed, surely this is something we'll be ble to fix when we're no longer governed by the EU!
The DoT could fix this in a matter of days if it was so inclined, since it has nothing whatever to do with the EU.
Since the 2016 referendum, I'm often surprised by the number of things that people will blame on the European Union.
Compared to other European countries, the UK has extremely lax laws and standards concerning motor vehicles. When my A2 rolls up for its MOT, the tester verifies that it's safe for me and other road users, and then I'm on my way again. Nobody seems concerned that I've modified my gearbox, that I've got a custom intercooler, that I'm running higher-flowing fuel injectors, that my tyre size is non-standard, etc, etc. Our friends over on the German A2 forum look on in envy as we all modify our cars to our heart's desires. As long as our insurance is informed, we're at liberty to do almost whatever we like. We can also buy and sell cars in various states of disrepair without issue or excessive bureaucracy, whilst some other European countries require that the seller proves the safety/conformity of the vehicle before it can be sold.
In this case, it seems that the EU is being blamed for our liberal/casual attitude towards such things. If we had really strict rules concerning motor vehicle testing, no doubt the EU would instead be accused of being draconian.
I rather like the fact that A2OC seems to have largely kept a lid on the Brexit issue. Personally, with the exception of light-hearted jokes, I feel that this site shouldn't really be used as a vehicle for political opinions. But if they must be expressed, I'd implore people to do their research first.
If you feel strongly about this, you might want to take the matter up with
Chris Grayling, I wish you luck!
Perhaps he'd hand the consultancy to a hairdressing salon or the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons...!?
Cheers,
Tom