Coles: Future of MOT must be made clear

Stephen Coles, head of MOT operations for the Retail Motor Industry
Federation (RMIF), has today called for the government to make it clear
to motorists what their intentions are for the MOT test.

The department for transport's MOT consultation report is due to be
issued in the near future, but it has already been delayed a number of
times.

"Prolonged uncertainty over the future of the MOT is causing disquiet in
the motor sector, and it must stop," Mr Coles said.

"The government needs to make its intentions toward the test clear as
soon as possible."

The consultation report will address the viability of delaying the first
MOT test until vehicles are four years old. Subsequent checks would then
only be performed every two years. Currently, vehicles must have their
first test after three years, and then have an annual re-test.

"Much of the MOT test sector could disappear within a year if the
government extend MOT test intervals," claimed Mr Coles.

"There are suspicions the government may be considering tampering with
the payment structure of the MOT test. If the fee structure were
deregulated MOT testing stations could be forced into a price war that
would decimate the industry."

"As the MOT test is a legal requirement for vehicle owners, the fallout
from this for consumers could be disastrous. When motorists would need
an MOT, they would be unable to get one performed, which would have a
knock-on effect on their ability to tax and insure their vehicles."

"The RMIF will lead the fight against...unnecessary changes to the MOT
fee payment structure for the sake of the retail motor sector and its
millions of motorist customers in the UK."