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Six-month MOT extension for all cars ‘should be ended now’

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Time 11:14 am, May 20, 2020

The Independent Garage Association is urging transport secretary Grant Shapps to end the six-month MOT extension.

In March, the government said all MOTS due within the next six months could be extended by six months because of the coronavirus crisis, then in April it announced that MOTs due within 12 months could be delayed by six months.

But the IGA now feels that with restrictions being eased, the extension should be stopped, claiming there will be a rise in dangerous vehicles on the road otherwise.


Chief executive Stuart James said: ‘Now that the public are being encouraged to go back to work and avoid using public transport where possible, the time is right to stop the MOT extension.

‘With approximately one-third of cars failing their initial MOT, millions of faults will be left unrectified if the full six-month extension goes ahead.

‘Small defects that would have been found in the MOT test will worsen, not only leading to an increase in the number of dangerous cars on the road but an increase in future repair costs for vehicle owners too.


‘Leaving vehicles unchecked also puts motorists at risk of prosecution for driving an unsafe vehicle when it has been exempted from MOT testing.

‘For example, 580,000 vehicles will have illegal tyres today, which will rise by another 290,000 by the end of the MOT extension. These drivers face a fine of up to £2,500 for each tyre and three penalty points.

‘This is a simple defect which could have been easily rectified if an inspection was carried out, but could now cost the driver dearly and put themselves and others at risk.

‘Stopping the MOT extension without delay will ensure that many more cars are roadworthy, and another major step will be taken in helping the UK economy recover.’

Government confirms six-month MOT extension could be cancelled at any time

Q&A and video: How does the MOT six-month extension work? 

John Bowman's avatar

John has been with Car Dealer since 2013 after spending 25 years in the newspaper industry as a reporter then a sub-editor/assistant chief sub-editor on regional and national titles. John is chief sub-editor in the editorial department, working on Car Dealer, as well as handling social media.



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