NTDA to challenge MOT changes on ‘road safety’ grounds

The NTDA plans to challenge at the consultation phase the UK government’s proposal to extend from three to four years the deadline for a new car’s first MOT. Chancellor George Osborne announced today that the Government is exploring the options, with the proposed changes to become part of the government’s forthcoming Motoring Service Strategy.

NTDA director Stefan Hay states: “We believe that this proposal is flawed and the NTDA intends, via the consultation process, both on behalf of our MOT Testing Centre members and in conjunction with other trade body members of the MOT Forum, to challenge the proposal on the grounds of road safety.”

The NTDA has campaigned for existing regulations regarding tyre tread depth, condition of tyres and other legal requirements to be enforced more stringently by the relevant government agencies and departments. The association sees the new proposal as a retrograde step in improving the safety of Britain’s motorists.

Hay continued: “Although the status quo would be preferable, we have a genuine concern that as the chancellor has announced this in the budget today, it is unlikely that will be able to prevent it altogether. However, there is an argument for looking at other methods such as basing the MOT on mileage, rather than age and we welcome the opportunity to present alternative solutions.”