BM Catalysts, a leading European manufacturer of aftermarket emission products, has acknowledged the Department for Transport (DfT) decision to review the long-standing MOT price cap. The maximum fee for a standard MOT has remained at £54.85 for over 15 years, despite increasing industry costs.
Trade bodies, including the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) and the Independent Garage Association (IGA), have repeatedly raised concerns that this static fee is no longer sustainable. They cite the growing complexity of modern vehicle technology—including sophisticated emissions systems and ADAS (advanced driver-assistance systems)—and the necessary investment in training and equipment this requires of garages. The IGA has warned that the current pricing places “unsustainable pressure on businesses that are essential to maintaining road safety across the UK.”
Recent media coverage confirms the government will consult later in the year on the MOT pricing structure, marking the first major review in more than a decade.
BM Catalysts believes the MOT remains a “vital cornerstone of vehicle safety and environment compliance.” They argue that a sustainable fee structure is necessary to ensure independent garages and testing stations can continue to invest in infrastructure and quality inspections, which benefits consumers and overall road safety.
Mark Blinston, Commercial Director at BM Catalysts, commented: “For the aftermarket to deliver the highest standards of service, safety and compliance, the entire ecosystem from garages to parts suppliers must have a sustainable framework. This review is an important opportunity to align MOT testing with the realities of modern vehicles, modern emissions systems and moder costs.”