The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has written to the new Transport Secretary and Future Roads ministers to call for an increase to the MOT cost cap.
The industry association is highlighting the significant financial strain caused by the stagnant MOT cost cap fee, which has remained unchanged for 14 years. The £54.85 maximum charge has, therefore, not taken into account increased costs for garages since its introduction.
With this in mind, the IGA has asked Heidi Alexander MP, and Lilian Greenwood MP, to review the MOT cost cap, which it believes it causing problems for businesses when it comes to operation and recruitment.
MOT cost cap too limiting
“MOT tests are an essential tool for maintaining vehicle safety and ensuring air quality, as they check vital safety components and monitor exhaust emissions,” commented Stuart James, Chief Executive Officer of the IGA. “However, the financial pressures on some garages are increasingly jeopardising their ability to prioritise this vital service.
“Some independent garages are having to look closely at maximising their return from their garage facility to address rising costs whilst the MOT cost cap has staggeringly remained frozen since 2010. This situation for some businesses is increasingly becoming unsustainable.
“Many independent garages operate in a highly competitive market. If the MOT fee remains unchanged, some will be forced to shift focus to other areas of their business to mitigate against rising costs. Such a move could have serious consequences for consumers, road safety and the wider economy.”
A stagnant MOT fee, along with other rising costs, also hampers workshops’ progress in recruiting, training, and equipping the skilled workforce necessary to handle the advanced technologies of today’s automotive sector, the association said.
The IGA has requested a meeting with officials with the aim of creating a constructive strategy going forward.
James concluded: “I have raised this issue with both Ministers and will continue to push for the issue in the new year. The IGA remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that our members can continue to operate their businesses in a fair environment, whilst still being able to provide this essential service, ensuring that UK roads remain some of the safest to use in the world.”
With the average hourly rate for a workshop around £76, although this varies, the MOT cost cap rate is already woefully below this, should a test take a full hour. With the annual test having been under threat many times in the last few years, as part of government plans to appease motorists, raising the cap could prove tricky.
Yet with a new government in place, now may be the best time to increase the MOT charge, although any cost cap rise would still give garages the option to charge their own rates, up to that amount.
