Proposed changes to MOT system branded unsafe, by leading motoring association

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is considering extending the time between the mandatory safety checks from 12 months to two years following discussions with his Cabinet

Posted on Aug 30, 2023

A LEADING motoring association has branded the Government’s proposed changes to the MOT system “unsafe”.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is considering extending the time between the mandatory safety checks from 12 months to two years following discussions with his Cabinet.

The proposal, put forward by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, is one of a raft of measures under review that aim to tackle the cost of living crisis without impacting Treasury coffers.

But Duncan McClure Fisher, founder and CEO of MotorEasy, insists that while the move would save drivers some money, it will leave roads unsafe and doesn’t address the major causes of the current financial crisis.

He said: “This approach from the Government strikes me as nothing more than a distraction from the core issue, which is that tax is too high.

“What they should be addressing instead is the fact we need a reduction in fuel duty, as well as a drop in the rates of National Insurance and VAT.

“Doubling the time period MOT certificates are valid for will simply leave our roads unsafe just to save drivers £27 a year – half the cost of a standard MOT.”

Mr McClure Fisher also highlighted the fact that without annual checks, all-round motoring maintenance costs would rise.

He added: “Faults that many MOT testers deem to be advisory now would become compulsory as they’d know the vehicle wouldn’t be checked for another two years.

“This would result in drivers having larger bills, far outweighing the initial saving.”

Previous research carried out by MotorEasy – which manages repairs and testing for its customers – revealed that UK motorists could save around £2billion simply by making sure they get their MOT test done with their annual vehicle service.

Analysis of around 5,000 MOTs and services every month showed that 80 percent of faults found in service procedures would be flagged in the MOT test anyway.

This means the service is unnecessarily duplicating work and labour costs.

Mr McClure Fisher said: “The problem is that even if you get faults repaired as a result of the service, you’ll still have to pay for the MOT anyway because that is a legal obligation for all vehicles.

“So when booking the two together you should always request that the MOT is done first so that there is less work to carry out on the service.

“While we know that not every single car will require work at every service or MOT, there’s a good proportion of motorists who are needlessly doubling up on costs.

“With better planning and organisation of your car’s maintenance schedule, those costs could be avoided.”

The leading motoring association also surveyed British car owners and found one in five admitted to driving their car despite knowing it needs repairs because they can’t afford the bill.

The MOT was introduced in 1960 and is applicable to all vehicles more than three years old.

The test covers bodywork, steering, suspension, emissions and brake performance.

Hidden leaks and planned renewal items – such as oil, filters, spark plugs and gearbox oils – are not inspected but would be picked during a full service.A LEADING motoring association has branded the Government’s proposed changes to the MOT system “unsafe”.