IAAF chief executive defends current MOT timings on BBC Radio 4

The IAAF’s chief executive Wendy Williamson told the BBC Radio 4 You and Yours consumer programme that proposals to extend the MOT test from three years to four for newer vehicles are fraught with danger. With the proposals to extend the frequency of MOTs currently at the consultation stage, the IAAF is highlighting the dangers involved and the risks that threaten driver safety.

The government is promoting the move in a positive light, claiming motorists could save up to £100m a year, but the IAAF is arguing that this could lead to an increase in road accidents and fatalities as there will be no formal inspection of a vehicle’s road worthiness for a further 12 months.

By extending the test frequency there will be more non-roadworthy vehicles on the road for a further year with no official mileage or emissions recorded until after four years. The federation is working alongside other industry bodies to combat the unwelcome legislation and protect the safety of all road users and the future of the automotive aftermarket.

Opposition to the proposal has cross-federation support, with the Automotive Aftermarket Liaison Group (AALG) also arguing against the extension, warning that the change would be detrimental to drivers and has serious safety implications.

Williamson said: “The current test frequency is both safer and more cost effective for motorists. If these new proposals come into force we strongly anticipate an increase in defective vehicles on UK roads and all the statistics support this prediction.

“In recent years, the MOT testing frequency has been subject to much debate. The IAAF’s stance has always been that DVSA’s regulation of the MOT process and current testing frequency of 3:1:1 helps to make the UK’s roads the safest in Europe and we will fight any detrimental changes vigorously.”