The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has written to the Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps, urging him to end the six-month MOT extension put in place on 30 March 2020.
With the government now encouraging the public to go back to work and avoid using public transport where possible, the IGA has said “the time is right” to stop the MOT extension.
Stuart James, IGA chief executive states: “With approximately one third of cars failing their initial MOT, millions of faults will be left unrectified if the full six-month extension goes ahead.
“Small defects that would have been found in the MOT test will worsen, not only leading to an increase in the number of dangerous cars on the road, but an increase in future repair costs for vehicle owners too.”
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The IGA states that 580,000 vehicles will have illegal tyres today, which will rise by another 290,000 by the end of the MOT extension – each driver could face a fine of up to £2,500 for each tyre and three penalty points if caught.
Stuart James added: “This is a simple defect which could have been easily rectified if an inspection was carried out, but could now cost the driver dearly and put themselves and others at risk.
“Stopping the MOT extension without delay will ensure that many more cars are roadworthy, and another major step will be taken in helping the UK economy recover.”
The DVSA has previously said that it continues to review the situation, adding that it expects to end the six-month extension as soon as it is deemed safe to do so.
Latest: Six-month MOT extension to remain until tests can be “conducted safely”
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