The Department for Transport's public consultation on European Whole Vehicle Type Approval closes tomorrow (Friday 22 August).

Bodybuilders, converters, van, truck and trailer makers, minibus, coach and bus makers and their dealers, suppliers and customers are all going to be affected, from as early as next April.

"If you think your business is going to be hit, you need to read the papers on the DfT website and tell the department what you think," said Robin Dickeson, manager, commercial vehicle affairs at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

"The change in the law from next spring will progressively affect every vehicle type and will mean that without a Type Approval document, you won't e able to register a new vehicle."

The documents are on the DfT website at www.dft.gov.uk