The RMI has mounted a challenge against proposed amendments to the review policy of the MoT test fee.

'The Vehicle Inspectorate's review of the 5th Edition MOT Testers' manual has revealed, says the RMI, that a change has been proposed that could have "far-reaching" financial implications for UK testers.

Bob Hood, the RMI's independent garage division director, said: "The increase to the MoT test fee - a very necessary annual event - is now to be reviewed 'periodically'. This change of emphasis from a fixed annual rise to an arbitrary review is totally unacceptable to RMI member test stations.

"The proposed change has not been discussed at any of the joint VI/MoT trade liaison group meetings. I have written to the VI and the respective government department (DTLR) to ensure that this matter is tabled at the next liaison group meeting."

He promised the RMI would launch a "strong and reasoned" argument for a retention of an annual test-fee increase.