Chancellor's doubts on 4.2.2. – four years ago

Reducing MOT frequency may compromise road safety and environmental concerns, according to the Chancellor, George Osborne, despite the decision of transport ministers to look at doing so. In a letter to the motor trade in 2007, published for the first time in November 2011 and raised in the House of Commons by Liberal Democrat John Leech MP, Mr Osborne said of the then Government’s review of MOT testing:

“I share your concern about the potential implications of moving to the European standard of roadworthiness testing. It seems to me that the road safety and environmental costs of moving from annual to biannual testing, and extending the initial period from three to four years, may far outweigh the predicted cost savings.”

Ministers have come under pressure on the policy with the formation of Pro-MOTe, a campaign opposed to reducing MOT frequency and supported by a range of more than 25 organisations including the AA, RAC, Brake, British Cycling, Road Safety GB, RMI, Halfords, Kwik Fit and tyre industry trade associations.

Responding to the letter, Bill Duffy, co-ordinator of the Pro-MOTe campaign said: “George Osborne eloquently sets out the case against reducing the frequency of MOT tests. As he says, it would have damaging consequences in road safety terms and the environment and such a policy should not be pursued. We urge the Secretary of State to listen to her former boss George Osborne, to road safety campaigners, motorist organisations and others who are united in opposition to this dangerous, expensive and unwanted proposal.”

Related news:

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• RMI urges action on MOTs