Automotive industry launches petition against proposed MOT changes

A group of automotive industry bodies have joined forces in a bid to prevent the Government from introducing changes to the MOT testing requirements for cars and vans.

The petition has been launched in response to a recent Government consultation that includes a proposal to extend the date of the first MOT test for new vehicles to the fourth year.

The petition states: “The Government has proposed extending the period before a vehicle has to have its first MOT from 3 years to 4. We believe this will be dangerous, expensive, damaging and unnecessary.”

Industry bodies backing the petition include the Independent Garage Association (IGA), the Garage Equipment Association (GEA), the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), the Scottish Motor Trade Association (SMTA) and the National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA).

The organisations state that any reduction to the MOT frequency could lead to increases in road casualties, vehicle repair costs and pollution.

The petition is running until 23 July 2023, however the consultation period for the Government’s proposals to change the MOT frequency ends on 1 March 2023. The IGA has called for the Department for Transport (DfT) to double the length of its consultation into the future of MOT testing.

The petition can be viewed at: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/631650