UK MOT backlogs persist due to staffing, equipment, and pandemic impact

Drivers face extended waiting times for vehicle safety tests, with some regions offering temporary exemptions

UK MOT backlogs persist due to staffing, equipment, and pandemic impact
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Ongoing issues with equipment, staff shortages, and the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic continue to cause MOT backlogs across the UK. Many motorists are experiencing difficulties securing timely appointments for their vehicle’s mandatory safety test, placing strain on both drivers and testing centres. In some areas, one-year exemptions have been introduced to help manage the delays.

Drivers nationwide have reported longer waiting times and appointment availability challenges. Regions like Northern Ireland have been particularly affected by broken testing equipment and increased demand, exacerbating the situation. These backlogs impact drivers, garages, and the broader motor trade, potentially hindering vehicle legality and increasing pressure on testing facilities.

The primary cause of the current backlog was the six-month MOT extension granted by the government in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. This led to a significant surge in demand the following year. Lockdowns resulted in reduced staffing and strict safety regulations at garages and MOT centres, slowing down testing capacity. Shortages of essential parts and a limited number of authorised testers further compounded the problem. Areas like London face additional challenges due to a growing vehicle population, insufficient testing centres, and delays in obtaining parts.

Many MOT centres are currently dealing with substantial workloads, with thousands of drivers competing for limited slots. Waiting times can extend to weeks, and in some cases, months. The government has permitted one-year exemptions in certain situations to alleviate the pressure on drivers facing lengthy waits. While both urban and rural areas are affected, cities with higher vehicle density and fewer garages, such as London, have been particularly hard hit. Garages are experiencing increased working hours and staff strain, while drivers need to plan their MOT well in advance to avoid their vehicle’s certification lapsing.

Source: Coventry Observer

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