The Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI) and Scottish Motor Trade Association (SMTA) have raised concerns about the MOT and have announced that they are to assess the impact of the government’s latest changes to road tax on the annual MOT test in a new survey.
The issue has been raised following the removal of the paper tax disk and the introduction of monthly direct debits to pay road tax.
The RMI and SMTA have said they will lobby the government on the grounds of road safety if the survey findings match their current concerns.
Research in 2013 showed that a third of motorists admitted to driving a car without a valid MOT test but the trade bodies now say this figure is likely to have risen due to the road tax changes.
RMI director, Stuart James said: “The annual MOT test is vital to road safety, and the government hasn’t considered this implication when introducing the new road tax changes.
“By creating a survey we can see if any damage has already been done, and lobby to prevent further unsafe cars on the road.”
Although a road tax reminder is sent to those who pay annually, no such reminders are sent to those who pay monthly.
Motorists driving without an MOT can be fined up to £1,000 and if the car hasn’t been examined it could be a danger on the road to its driver and passengers.
Sandy Burgess, SMTA chief executive said: “Motorists must be reminded when their MOT is due so that they don’t pose a danger to themselves and others on the road.
“We expect the results of this survey will show the government that they need to recognise the effects of the changes to road tax by providing a new service to remind car owners when their MOT is due.”
Have your say by taking part in the survey and follow the ‘more details’ link below to find out more about the RMI.