Now’s time to end six-month MOT exemption, says IGA amid further lockdown easing

1.6 million unroadworthy cars now thought to be in use on UK roads

Now’s time to end six-month MOT exemption, says IGA amid further lockdown easing
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The Independent Garage Association (IGA) is renewing calls for the government to remove the six-month MOT extension with immediate effect, following the Prime Minister’s announcement that further social distancing measures will be relaxed from 4 July.

The trade body has warned that “it is not safe for cars to remain unchecked” while non-essential shops, leisure facilities and tourist destinations are reopening.

Stuart James, IGA chief executive said: “Now is the time to end the extension.

“People are being encouraged to use their cars to go shopping and go on days out to boost the economy, rather than use public transport.

“However, the MOT extension has been in place since March and we now have a situation where there are approximately 1.6 million unroadworthy cars in use on our roads.

“The IGA has supported the government’s measures all the way through this pandemic and applauds the progress that has been made in controlling the spread of COVID-19.

Related: MOTs for lorries, buses and trailers to return in July

Stuart added: “Garages are not “close proximity” venues.

“They have been allowed to remain open throughout the whole pandemic and are following official safe working guidelines, so the MOT exemption should be removed as soon as feasibly possible.

“Ending the MOT extension is another positive step forward in the UK’s economic revival and will deploy people back into the workplace whilst underpinning road safety as traffic levels increase.”

Related: Number of MOTs down by more than five million since start of lockdown

Back in May Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps said the six-month MOT extension would not be lifted until tests can be “conducted safely” with the “lowest possible risk” to the health of motorists and staff.

Meanwhile, the number of MOTs carried out is down by more than five million since the start of lockdown and while drivers are worried about the condition of other cars because of the MOT exemption, few think their own car has any problems according to new findings.

The DVSA last week announced that testing for heavy vehicles is to restart from 4 July 2020.

For further information about the IGA, select ‘more details’ below.

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