MoT cuts mean more expense, not less

In a bid to cut motoring costs, it has been suggested that MOT Tests could be conducted every two years, instead of annually. At most, this will save drivers £54.85 every other year, although most garages discount this official maximum fee considerably.

As reported by GEM last October, this suggestion was mooted in Northern Ireland, when the government-run service was overwhelmed with post-pandemic tests. Now that demand has returned to normal levels, Nichola Mallon, the SDLP Minister for Infrastructure, has stated that sufficient support remains for biennial MOTs to become a reality. Interestingly, two motor insurance bodies that operate in the region agree that such a move would most likely lead to increased insurance premiums.

If this is true, then the case for abandoning annual MOT Testing in England, Wales and, possibly, Scotland is unlikely to realise savings. In many cases, problems that are not found early lead not just to safety risks but also further expense.

The Independent Garage Association (IGA) agrees. Its Chief Executive, Stuart James highlights that,

“This whole plan is dangerous, unwanted and unreasonable. This proposal has been scrutinised at least four times…in the last 15 years and, every time, it has been deemed detrimental to road safety.”

Mr James adds,

“In times of economic hardship, motorists cut back on servicing their cars and it is the annual MOT that has kept the UK’s road safety at high levels thanks to the vital safety checks it carries out.”

Hayley Pells, a respected motor industry author and garage owner also questions the wisdom and highlights that with one in three cars failing their MOT Tests, faulty brakes account for 30% of those rejections. It is certainly food for thought.

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