The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has written to the Department for Transport (DfT), urgently requesting an extension to their consultation proposing changes to the MOT frequency and other MOT enhancements.
Meanwhile, the body is one of a number that have launched a petition, aiming to stop the plans and ensure the UK’s record of road safety is maintained.
The Government announced a consultation on the future of the MOT earlier this month, which includes proposals to switch to a 4-1-1 system, extending the period a vehicle undertakes its first check from three to four years. There are also a number of proposals on testing new areas, including ADAS and EV batteries.
MOT frequency consultation period too short
Previous consultations reviewing changes to the frequency of the MOT test had a consultation period of approximately 12 weeks, however the DfT’s new consultation is running for only six weeks, until 28th February 2023.
“The content of this consultation contains highly complex and important subjects, relating not just to the MOT frequency but updates to multiple areas of the MOT system, which will have far reaching consequences for consumers and the automotive sector alike,” commented Stuart James, IGA Chief Executive.
“With 69 questions to respond to, this time period is insufficient to understand, discuss, collate views, obtain evidence and draft a fully detailed, accurate and considered response which ensures that the right decisions are made. In particular, a six-week timeframe is not long enough to provide the DfT with comprehensive evidence relating to road safety.
“Given the potential safety impacts of the proposed changes, the response period should be extended to no less that 12 weeks from the launch date of the consultation, to enable all stakeholders to review the proposals and respond appropriately to the questions asked.”
Petition launched to prevent MOT frequency change
The petition has been launched by the IGA, the Garage Equipment Association (GEA), the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), the Scottish Motor Trade Association (SMTA) and the National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA).
It states: “The government has proposed extending the period before a vehicle has to have its first MOT from three years to four. We believe this will be dangerous, expensive, damaging and unnecessary.
“The government has considered extending the period before a new vehicle needs its first MOT several times in recent years and abandoned plans every time after common-sense arguments from industry bodies and consumers alike. We believe any reduction to the MOT frequency will be:
- Dangerous: Increased casualties and deaths caused by vehicle defects
- Expensive: Increased vehicle repair, maintenance & insurance costs
- Damaging: Increased pollution & congestion levels
- Unnecessary: There is little evidence to suggest motorists want to change MOT frequency
“1,759 casualties were caused by vehicle defects in 2021. Keep our roads safe by keeping the MOT at 3-1-1.”
Sign the petition: Do not extend the period before a vehicle’s first MOT to 4 years
The UK government will respond to the petition if it reaches 10,000 signatures, and if it reaches 100,000 signatures it will be considered for debate in Parliament.
The petition is running until 23rd July 2023, even though the consultation period ends on the 28th February 2023.
