Londoners most likely to suffer 'avoidable' MOT failures

Motorists in London are more likely than those in any other part of the UK to fail their MOT as a result of simple, easy-to-fix, issues such as blown bulbs, worn tyres and cracked windscreens. The research, conducted by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), indicates that around 1.5 million MOT failures each year could be avoided if motorists carry out simple visual checks of their vehicles and forewarn their dealer of issues, before the annual test of roadworthiness.

Across the various London boroughs, the research suggests 35 per cent of failure issues could have been anticipated had the visual checks been carried out. This is well above the national average of 22 per cent.

The findings are highlighted as part of the ‘Minute Or Two’ campaign, which encourages motorists to carry out 10 visual checks of their vehicle prior to the MOT test. The full ‘Minute Or Two’ checklist, which can be viewed at www.passmymot.co.uk, includes checks of headlights, tyres, windscreen wipers and fluid levels. The website also features a video guide to the checks and a Garage Finder tool, powered by Motor Codes, the car servicing customer service scheme backed by Trading Standards. 

The campaign is backed by every major car maker, and technicians at 5,545 manufacturer main dealerships across the UK are ready and able to assist customers who might be unsure about carrying out the checks themselves. It should be mentioned here that the campaign has been criticised and condemned by the Independent Garage Association as “a blatant attempt to drive business away from small garages.”

Central London the worst

Central London topped the table of fixable MOT failures with SMMT findings showing that 46 per cent of issues could have been addressed after a simple ‘driveway’ check. At the other end of the spectrum, the Orkney Islands had the lowest number of avoidable fails, with only 13 per cent of issues being of the type that an owner could have identified in advance of the MOT. In joint second place are the Hebrides and Shetland, with a 13.6 per cent ‘fixable’ failure rate.

“The data shows that, more than anywhere else in the UK, motorists in London would be able to avoid needless MOT failures by spending just a few minutes carrying out a series of simple pre-MOT checks,” explains Mike Baunton, SMMT Interim Chief Executive. “The aim of the ‘Minute Or Two’ campaign is to give motorists the knowledge and confidence to check their own vehicles and eliminate the possibility of simple problems, such as lights and fluid levels, causing a fail at the vehicle’s next MOT test.”

Sue Robinson, NFDA Director commented, “The statistics prove that unnecessary MOT failures are commonplace throughout London and the rest of the UK. The ‘Minute Or Two’ scheme, along with the assistance of their local manufacturer main dealer, could make a huge difference to MOT pass rates, saving motorists both time and money.”