Scrapped MOT proposals welcomed by IAAF

Proposed changes to the MOT test frequency have been scrapped with IAAF calling it ‘a triumph for the aftermarket and motorists alike’, after months and months of intensive lobbying.

Since the proposals were first announced back in 2015, the IAAF has reacted angrily to extending the frequency of a vehicle’s first MOT test from three years to four years, lobbying the government on reversing any such proposals and stating that the current test frequency is both safer and more cost effective for motorists.

IAAF chief executive, Wendy Williamson, voiced a number of concerns, highlighting the potential dangers to extend the MOT test from three years to four. It was argued that the change could lead to an increase in road accidents and fatalities as there would be no formal inspection of a vehicle’s road worthiness for a further 12 months. It could also mean an increase in repair costs for drivers, insurance premiums and harmful emissions.

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 UK roads the safest in Europe.

The federation has worked relentlessly alongside other industry bodies to fight the unwelcome legislation and is part of the ProMOTe campaign being run by the AALG (Automotive Aftermarket Liaison Group) to protect the safety of all road users.

Williamson said: “It is an understatement to say that we are delighted that these plans have now been scrapped, which comes as a result of all the hard efforts of IAAF as well as the whole of the industry. From the outset, we’ve vigorously fought these proposals, which threatened not just the aftermarket but more crucially, motorists’ safety.

“To ensure as safe and cost-effective motoring as possible, motorists must have their vehicle inspected and serviced regularly. Given that figures suggest one in five vehicles fail their MOT in the first three years, moving to an extended testing period would have potentially caused more accidents and fatalities due to defective vehicles on UK roads.”