United automotive trade associations join to question DfT on MOT consultation

The Independent Garage Association (IGA) and Scottish Motor Trade Association (SMTA) have discussed the MOT frequency and enhancements consultation in a meeting with the Department for Transport (DfT) and Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). The associations asked the DfT why a large and complex consultation, covering 27 areas within the MOT test, was published with only a six-week response period. In response, the department explained that Ministers are focusing on saving consumers money and wanted to use the consultation as an opportunity to evaluate if any areas of the MOT could contribute to further savings. UK automotive trade bodies have launched a petition, which aims to prevent the proposed four-year interval before the first MOT test on new vehicles. Tyres are a major cause of MOT test failures. The industry has often made a strong case against increasing MOT test intervals on the basis that it provides a necessary prompt for UK motorists to change tyres.

The associations also asked how the DfT planned to proceed with so many areas under review at once. The DfT revealed there would be further consultations based on the initial information and responses provided and that no immediate decisions were likely. They also shared that consultation responses submitted after the closing date on 28 February 2023 would still be considered.

The associations asked why the consultation could not be carried out over a three-month period, bearing in mind no immediate action would be taken and further consultations would follow. No response was given, though they were able to confirm no legislation changes will be implemented from 1 April 2023, which was included within their impact statement.

All parties agreed to continue working closely at every stage of the consultation process to ensure that public safety and the needs of the industry are being thoroughly considered.

Stuart James, IGA chief executive comments: “We appreciate the DfT being open about many of the questions raised and understand that cost implications for consumers and advances in vehicle technology are the main drivers behind this consultation. However, the UK’s roads are amongst the safest in the world, and we would like to believe that the Government would not make decisions that would cause any increase in road casualties.

“We believe it may have been more appropriate to break the consultation down into smaller subject areas to ensure that road safety will not be impacted by any of the many changes being considered. We will be working non-stop to ensure that road safety and the public are protected as the consultation progresses.”