BTMA and NTDA to push for review of MOT tread depth advisories

The news that the government is maintaining annual MOTs in the present 3-1-1 regime was universally welcomed by the industry. But tyre retailers up and down the country continue to highlight the appalling reality that many tyres are changed past the legal limit and in shocking states of disrepair. For many motorists, the MOT is an annual driving sanity check, reminding them to change their tyres and other safety-critical car parts. That reality and the increasing prevalence of electric vehicle and ADAS technology have prompted calls for an upgraded MOT – not least from the BTMA and the NTDA.

The British Tyre Manufacturers Association (BTMA) and National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA), who represent tyre manufacturers and retailers in the UK, welcomed the government’s decision to maintain the present 3-1-1 MOT testing regime for light vehicles, describing it as “a cornerstone of the UK’s exceptional record on road safety, one of the best in the world.”

However, the associations also point out that the MOT test was first introduced in 1960 to assure the effectiveness of safety-critical components such as tyres and brakes. Both the BTMA and NTDA welcome government’s commitment to ensure the MOT remains fit for the future as it considers ways to modernise the test to accommodate new technologies.

In recent years, vehicle technology has evolved rapidly with the introduction of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) of various kinds. “Since these have implications for road safety, the BTMA and NTDA will continue to advocate strongly for their inclusion in the MOT”, the associations wrote in a joint statement, adding:

“In view of the heightened focus on the environmental impact of motoring, both organisations will also continue to advocate for the adoption of improved checks at MOT on tyre inflation and wheel alignment using modern workshop technology.”

To that end BTMA and NTDA advance two proposals. Firstly, to consider the concept of advisories for low tread depths: “Research by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) shows widespread disregard of advisory notices by motorists. Again, the BTMA and NTDA will continue to propose alternative solutions to granting a one-year certificate for vehicles with tyres that are only just legal when presented at MOT.”

And secondly, the additional of mandatory recall checks: “Additionally, the BTMA and NTDA will also continue to support the proposal that vehicles and their components should be checked at MOT for outstanding safety recalls.”