TyreSafe: 4500 organisations involved in MOT consultation, tyre and brake wear key concerns

TyreSafe was among the 4,500 organisations that responded to the MoT Consultation, which has now concluded, detailing “the significant risks extending the first MoT for vehicles from three years to four or even five”. DVSA figures show the most likely reason for a vehicle, up to six years of age, to fail its MoT is tyre defects. Over 2 million cars fail their MOT each year due to tyre defects with over 1 million classified as ‘dangerous’.

Department for Transport (DfT) concluded: “….84 per cent opposed changing the date of the first test. A high volume of concerns were raised in relation to road safety, in particular regarding tyre and brake wear – the most common reasons for first-time MOT test failures. These safety issues are particularly important given the volume of anecdotal evidence that suggests that many drivers rely on the first MOT test to identify safety-critical issues.

“We agree with a number of respondents who identified that any savings made by motorists would at best be extremely marginal and limited by additional costs from defects not identified at MOT deteriorating and thereby requiring more expensive repairs (e.g. increased call outs for tyre defects), as well as increased insurance premiums.“

Neil Barlow, Head of Vehicle Policy at DVSA, said: “Ensuring the MOT remains fit for the future is a key part of DVSA’s work and getting ready for new technology will help keep Britain’s roads safe. We hope, this positive news will provide some certainty for garages to enable the investment in new technologies that could be needed to keep the MOT at the forefront of road safety and the environment. DfT will also monitor technological developments that could require an altered MOT, such as advanced driver assistance systems.

Stuart Lovatt, TyreSafe Chair, said: “This is a very welcome announcement from the Department for Transport and we applaud them for listening to the views of road safety organisations such as TyreSafe for factoring in the risks posed to road safety in extending the first test to four years. While TyreSafe supports any initiatives which helps reduce cost to road users and minimise their impact on the environment, the DfT has rightly pointed out the ‘saving’ of an MoT test fee is marginal when compared to the potential costs driving with defects can have on people’s budgets.

“We look forward to continuing to work with both the DfT and DVSA on encouraging awareness of the importance of tyre safety and establishing a programme of longer term reform to modernise the MoT.”