It is right that DfT keeps MOTs under review and considers whether changes to testing should be made, DVSA says
The DVSA has this week emailed MOT testing stations about what it describes as “potential changes to MOT requirements” following a proposal to change the requirement for an MOT test from every year to every two years.
In an attempt to reassure workshops, the agency said a public consultation would need to be held before new legislation would be introduced.
It suggested the consultation would give MOT sites and other interested parties alongside members of the public an opportunity to speak out on the proposal.
In its email, the DVSA said: “Our roads are among the safest in the world and both the Department for Transport (DfT) and DVSA will make sure this remains the case.
“We want to reassure you that any proposals to change MOT requirements would only happen after a thorough assessment of the safety implications.”
A petition calling for the scrapping of plans to reduce the frequency of MOT tests is quickly gaining industry support and now has more than 7,000 signatures.
Launched by Stephen Browne of Meadowfield AutoCentre in Newcastle Upon Tyne, the petition raises the safety concerns associated with a reduction in MOT frequency after Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps suggested relaxing the frequency of MOTs to every two years, rather than one to help ease the cost of living crisis.
The DVSA’s email continued: “The MOT service has been in place for a long time and during that period cars have changed greatly.
“There have been considerable safety improvements with more warnings of problems to drivers and automation.
“And there are new types of vehicle – hybrid and electric cars in particular, and these may also change the picture.
“It is right therefore that DfT keeps the system under review and considers whether changes to testing should be made in the light of these developments.”
