MOT Rules To Change With Longer Periods Between Tests
Thursday, 5. August 2010
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Annual MOT tests may be stretched out to 2 years according to new Government plans. The proposal will save motorists £465 million per annum. The announcement came via the Lords through the Government’s transport spokesman, Earl Attlee who promised a review this year. However safety groups are fearful of the dangers involved, especially with older cars. Britain has the most rigorous testing regime in Europe and, probably as a result of the toughness of the test, one of the highest failure rates. Official figures showed test failures increasing from 33% to 36% between 2006/7 and 2008/9. The new proposals will require the first test to be carried out after 4 years followed by every 2 years, which is what happens in many continental countries. Having said that, in France, the first test failure rate is just 5.6% compared to 28% although rumour has it that the first test in France is restricted to checking to see if the glass is clean and there is roughly the right air pressure in the spare wheel! I could be wrong but that’s what I heard. On a serious point Neil Greg, director of policy at the Institute of Advanced Motorists said ‘If we went to four years, we would have a lot more cars on the roads with potential safety issues.’ What are your thoughts, are 2 year MOT tests a good idea? By Graham Hill
