Government proposes delaying first MOT to ‘cut costs for drivers’

The government has put forward 4-1-1 MOT plans, changing the date at which the first MOT for cars is required from three to four years. In its public consultation, the DfT says the change would “save motorists across Great Britain around £100 million a year” in MOT fees. The consultation also seeks views on the frequency of MOTs and how to improve monitoring of emissions to tackle pollution to bolster the environmental efficiency of vehicles. Potential new measures include introducing testing of pollutants such as particulate number (PN) and NOx to ensure diesel, petrol and hybrid cars always meet emissions requirements throughout their lifespan. Among the proposals, the consultation will consider whether electric vehicles’ batteries should be tested to improve the safety and reliability of EVs, if additional measures should be introduced to tackle excessively loud engines, and how the DVSA can continue to crack down against MOT and mileage fraud. Related: UK’s average car age is 10 years old, new report finds Following the launch of the consultation, the Independent Garage Association (IGA) said it will be carrying out a “full impact assessment” of the proposed changes and will be consulting with its members and the wider industry to ensure that full, robust and representative feedback is provided in response. Stuart James, IGA chief executive said: “The MOT has been in the government’s spotlight for some time and the IGA were expecting a review of this type, however the far-reaching nature of the consultation announced this morning goes deeper and wider than anticipated. “A common-sense approach to the consultation will be needed, with road safety being of paramount importance above gaining votes in the next election. “Vehicles are becoming more complex and the environmental impact of road transport plays an ever-increasing role in the UK Government’s commitment to Net Zero. Related: Thousands of drivers being ‘blinded’ by headlights that are too ‘bright’ “While the number of plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles on the road relates to less than 2.5 per cent of all vehicles on the road, it is inevitable that the MOT will need to adapt to provide a 21st-century solution to these challenges. “The MOT plays a vital part in keeping the UK’s roads amongst the safest in the world, and the IGA will work closely with the government to safeguard this record and ensure a fair, viable and safe future for the MOT system which protects all road users.” The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has said it will fight any proposals to extend the MOT test frequency. It warns that any increase in the first test frequency will see the number of defective vehicles on UK roads rise, which could also lead to more road accidents and fatalities. Related: Prizes, show deals and EV insight to be given away at EV Ready next week As for advancements in technology, the IAAF notes that MOT failures are disproportionately high for electric vehicles when they are first tested at three years. Evidence also shows MOT and servicing is often done at the same time as each other, so a reduction in test frequency means a reduction in servicing, further separating a motorist’s responsibility on a vehicle’s roadworthiness. Mark Field, IAAF chief executive, said: “The DfT has put forward no credible argument for changing the MOT first test from three years to four years. “It’s bad for the motorist, the environment, the public and motor industry and we will fight any measures that threaten road safety.”