Petition opened to stop first MOT extension

A petition has been launched by automotive trade bodies to stop the Government’s plans to extend the period before a vehicle has its first MOT, in order to reduce preventable casualties and deaths caused by vehicle defects.

The petition states: “The Government has proposed extending the period before a vehicle has to have its first MOT from 3 years to 4. We believe this will be dangerous, expensive, damaging and unnecessary.

“The Government has considered extending the period before a new vehicle needs its first MOT several times in recent years and abandoned plans every time after common-sense arguments from industry bodies and consumers alike. We believe any reduction to the MOT frequency will be:

• Dangerous: Increased casualties and deaths caused by vehicle defects
• Expensive: Increased vehicle repair, maintenance & insurance costs
• Damaging: Increased pollution & congestion levels
• Unnecessary: There is little evidence to suggest motorists want to change MOT frequency

“1,759 casualties were caused by vehicle defects in 2021. Keep our roads safe by keeping the MOT at 3-1-1.”

Sign the petition, which can be found at: Do not extend the period before a vehicle’s first MOT to 4 years

Industry bodies backing the petition include the Independent Garage Association (IGA), the Garage Equipment Association (GEA), the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), the Scottish Motor Trade Association (SMTA) and the National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA).

UK Government will respond to the petition if it reaches 10,000 signatures, and if it reaches 100,000 signatures it will be considered for debate in Parliament.

The petition is running until 23 July 2023, however the consultation period for the Government’s proposals to change the MOT frequency ends on 1 March 2023.