Congestion charging could mean the end of MOT stations in central London, the Retail Motor Industry Federation has warned.

From today, motorists entering the congestion charging zone to use an MOT station will have to pay the charge, effectively adding £5 to the cost of an MOT.

Currently there are 12 MOT testing stations within the zone.

According to Ian Davis-Knight, RMI operations manager, the charge could put severe pressure on those stations: “Although £5 does not sound like a great deal to add on top of the cost of an MOT, it may be enough to deter potential customers from using stations within the boundary.

“If enough people seek testing stations outside the zone to avoid the added £5 outlay to the cost of their MOT, testing stations within the zone could be forced to close.”