The Unbiased Storage Affiliation (IGA) has known as for the Division for Transport (DfT) to double the size of its session into the way forward for MOT testing.
In a letter to the DfT IGA chief government Stuart James identified that earlier consultations reviewing modifications to the frequency of the MOT check had a session interval of roughly 12 weeks, whereas the most recent is scheduled to run for simply six weeks.
“The content material of this session comprises extremely complicated and vital topics, relating not simply to the frequency of the MOT however updates to a number of areas of the MOT system, which can have far reaching penalties for customers and the automotive sector alike”, he mentioned.
“With 69 questions to reply to, this time interval is inadequate to know, focus on, collate views, get hold of proof and draft a totally detailed, correct and thought of response which ensures that the best selections are made.
“Specifically, a six-week timeframe is just not lengthy sufficient to supply the DfT with complete proof regarding highway security.”
James added: “Given the potential security impacts of the proposed modifications, the response interval needs to be prolonged to a minimum of 12 weeks from the launch date of the session, to allow all stakeholders to overview the proposals and reply appropriately to the questions requested.”
Launched final week, the DfT’s public session to reform the MOT check features a proposal to increase the date of the primary MOT check for brand spanking new autos to the fourth yr.
Potential modifications to the MOT check might additionally embrace boosting the monitoring of emissions to sort out air pollution and measures to make sure the protection of batteries fitted to electrical and hybrid autos.
Security issues are already being raised concerning the proposed change.
DVSA knowledge reveals round one-in-eight (13.1%) three-year-old autos fail their first legally required MOT check with a significant or harmful defect, with this determine rising to fifteen.4% for four-year-old autos, in keeping with BookMyGarage.com.
And co-founder Karen Rotberg described Authorities’s perceived efforts to pitch proposed modifications as a strategy to save motorists cash is “farcical”.
She mentioned: “On common, drivers pay £35.52 for an MOT check booked via our web site – that’s lower than the price of half a tank of petrol in a typical household automotive.
“The fact is that the majority motorists prioritise security over prices and the worth of an MOT is simply a tiny a part of the general invoice that drivers face.”
Rotberg added: “We do after all welcome any measures that may assist motorists to save cash – particularly throughout a cost-of-living disaster – however any proposal which dangers compromising on automobile security is just not an answer.
“Rising the interval between MOT checks places larger onus on the driving force to make sure their automobile is in secure and roadworthy situation always, and we all know from our analysis that not all motorists really feel assured finishing up checks themselves.”