10:40 pm, February 2, 2012
THE government’s dropping of controversial plans to reduce MOT testing frequency has been welcomed by Pro-MOTe and the RMI.
In a written ministerial statement this morning, transport secretary Justine Greening announced: ‘Having listened closely to the very many views put forward and considered the available evidence, I have decided that I am not going to carry out further work in relation to relaxing the first test date or the frequency of testing.’
The campaign – headed up the lobby group Pro-MOTe and supported by more than 30 organisations – argued that by moving to testing every other year would be dangerous, expensive, and unwanted.
Bill Duffy, coordinator of Pro-MOTe and CEO of Halford Autocentres said: ‘Reducing the frequency of MOTs would have been dangerous, expensive and unwanted, and we welcome the Government’s sensible decision today to drop the idea.
‘The proposal to reduce MOT frequency was opposed by organisations across the board, from industry to road safety campaigners to insurance companies and others. Their support for Pro-MOTe and its objective was a major factor in persuading ministers that the maintenance of annual MOTs was the right way forward.
‘We look forward to working with Government on how to make the MOT test better and to ensure consumers receive the best customer service.’
Alec Murray, RMI chairman sad: ‘It is positive that after much speculation that MoT frequency will not feature in the review. The RMI have always been against any change to MoT frequency on the grounds that it is unnecessary and poses considerable safety issues.
‘By retaining the current system the Government has cut the risk of the additional road deaths and injuries that would have potentially occurred with a move to less frequent testing.
‘The RMI along with other trade bodies have been engaged with the DfT for some time on the wider issues around the current test and continue to view the review as a positive step. There are many areas of the MoT that could be improved and we have been in discussions with the DfT to air our views on what positive changes could be made.
‘We will continue to work with Government throughout the review to ensure the interests of our members and consumers are best represented.’
