NTDA: Reducing MOT Frequency Naive

A report by the HM Treasury, recommending major changes in the frequency of MOTs, has been labelled a “naive view of the contribution MOT’s make to safety on our roads” by the NTDA. “We have been aware for some time that the Treasury have been reviewing the current MOT regime in the UK,” commented NTDA director Richard Edy, adding: “These initial findings, that motorists would save £465million if the tests were done after the first four years and then every two years, takes no account of the importance of regular vehicle testing plays in reducing accidents on our roads.”

Currently the tests are done after the first three years and then every year and one of the major reasons for failure is the poor condition of tyres and brakes.

Edy commented: “To lengthen the time between tests will merely exacerbate this problem and mean that hundreds of thousands of cars will be riding on dangerous tyres and brakes.”

The Treasury view that ‘there would be no obvious decrease in road safety’ seems to have no foundation, according to the NTDA. The association will be liaising with sister trade bodies, through the powerful MOT Trade Forum, and road safety bodies, to ensure that Government fully understands the serious implications of such a move.”

The association quoted research showing that over 15 per cent of Britain’s 22 million motorists are driving on tyres below the current legal minimum of 1.6mm and that many only change their tyres when they come up for their annual tests:

“To extend the time between these tests will mean that the condition of tyres, and brakes will deteriorate even further and put millions of motorists and pedestrians in danger of being involved in a road traffic accident.” according to Edy

The MOT change is one of ten bureaucracy cutting measures recommended by the Treasury review, led by by Lord Davidson of Glencova, QC, into the impact of EU legislation. The review found that the Government often “gold plated” EU rules, making them far more stringent than necessary.