TyreSafe voices concerns over four-year MOTs

TyreSafe has voiced concerns that four-year MOTs will negatively impact road safety should the government decide to extend the time allowed before an initial MOT from three to four years. The comment follows the announcement in the Summer Budget speech on 8 July by The Chancellor, The Rt Hon George Osborne MP, which said: “We will consult on extending the deadline for new cars and motorbikes to have their first MOT test from three years to four years, which would save motorists over £100m a year.”

“In recent years there have been various proposals on changing the timing and regularity of the MOT test which have all been rejected on the grounds of their negative impact on road safety,” said TyreSafe chairman, Stuart Jackson. “While cars and motorbikes are more reliable than ever before, there are safety critical components which require regular maintenance and replacement. Evidence shows millions of Britain’s motorists do not check or maintain these parts, and only replace them when required to do so in order to pass the MOT.

The latest figures available from the Department for Transport shows around 2.2 million vehicles fail their MOT every year as a result of tyre defects.