TyreSafe supports MOT campaign

TyreSafe has become the latest motoring body to come out in support of maintaining current MOT frequency along with other road safety organisations such as the AA and consumers Association “Which”. Tyre Safe pointed out that over 2 million MOT failures annually are attributed to illegal tyres and any extension would lead to thousands of cars running around on our roads with unsafe, and in some cases dangerous tyres.

In a fact sheet published today and sent to Tyres & Accessories, TyreSafe outlined its position: “Tyres are safety critical items which constantly wear with vehicle use and it is imperative that they are regularly inspected and properly maintained. As many motorists rely on their annual MOT for the inspection of their tyres, any extension or lengthening of the MOT frequency is likely to have a significant detrimental effect upon driver and road safety. For these reasons TyreSafe does not support any extension to the frequency of the MOT test.”

Tyre Safe Chairman Stuart Jackson commented “Tyres play a vital role in road safety yet hundreds of drivers are killed or seriously injured each year because of their neglect towards the state of their tyres. Sadly, many drivers rely on their annual MOT as the only regular safety check for their car and its tyres and therefore any extension or lengthening of the MOT frequency is likely to have a detrimental effect upon driver and road safety.”

The UK Government is currently considering proposals to change the frequency of the MOT test. Rather than the current 3-1-1 systems (first test at three years, then annually thereafter), it is considering delaying the first test until the vehicle is four years old with the second inspection coming after another two years with subsequent tests at two year intervals (4-2-2) or single year intervals (4-2-1).

Related news:

• Speak out against MOT changes urges RMI

• NTDA: industry united against MOT changes

• Further responses to government MOT changes from Which?, IAAF

• Transport secretary hinting at MOT changes, associations hit back

• Halfords Autocentres: Renault Meganes most likely to fail MOT