IGA RESPONDS TO 4-1-1 MOT CONSULTATION
The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has responded to the Department for Transport’s (DfT) consultation proposing changes to the MOT frequency and other MOT enhancements.
Stuart James, IGA Chief Executive comments: “As the voice of the independent garage sector, we are asking the government to very carefully consider any changes to the MOT introduction year. Based on the research and member feedback compiled when writing our consultation response, it is clear that any changes made will impact road safety far more than the government anticipates.
“Not only would extending the period of a vehicle’s first MOT be detrimental to road safety, it is our belief that it will cost consumers more money long-term. This includes increased repair costs due to defects taking longer to be picked up, all costs associated with accidents, rising insurance premiums, and additional MOT and repair costs for second owners of cars between 3 and 4 years old.
“It is important that the MOT test is updated to incorporate new vehicle types and technologies to ensure that vehicles’ structures, components and systems operate to a set minimum standard. However, road safety must also be taken into account here, so the period of time a vehicle can be used before its first MOT should remain unchanged while any changes to the scheme are rolled out, tested and analysed.
“There is still time to respond to the consultation, so we strongly encourage garages to share their views on the future of the MOT system before 11:45pm on Wednesday 22nd March, as well as signing and sharing the automotive trade bodies’ petition to stop the DfT’s dangerous 4-1-1 MOT proposal.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
The Independent Garage Association (IGA) is the largest and most prominent trade body representing UK independent garages. They support members with the day-to-day challenges and complexities of running a garage business and offer a wealth of services, advice and resources, while ensuring that the sector’s voice is heard at Government level. https://independentgarageassociation.co.uk
- Automotive trade body petition to stop the 4-1-1 MOT: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/631650
- ‘Changes to the date of the first MOT test and research into other MOT enhancements’ consultation documents and response survey: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/changes-to-the-date-of-the-first-mot-test-and-research-into-other-mot-enhancements
Gemma Stannard
IGA Communications Manager
Tel: 07721 126 758
Email: gemma.stannard@rmif.co.uk
