Huge MOT changes could cost drivers ‘more in the long run’

An expert has warned drivers that Government’s MOT plans could cost drivers “more in the long run” and lead to higher repair costs. Dorry Potter, an expert at National Scrap Car, exclusively told Express.co.uk that “MOTs play a vital role in making sure vehicles on our roads are safe and well-maintained”.

Ms Potter added: “Though the Government’s plan is well intended, moving the MOT to biennial rather than annual could actually cost drivers more in the long run with higher repair bills.

“Not having an MOT every year may mean that defects will go unnoticed for longer.

“A lot of times when people take their cars in for MOT it is a surprise that the car fails because as motorists it could be hard to identify faults in the car.

“MOTs help identify small minor problems before they become more expensive to fix, having an effect on motorists’ finances in the long term.”

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Undertaking roadworthiness testing four years since the vehicle’s registration is already standard practice across many European countries, including Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal.

Among the proposals, the consultation will consider whether electric vehicles’ batteries should be tested to improve the safety and reliability of EVs and if additional measures should be introduced to tackle excessively loud engines.

It will also look at how the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) can continue to crack down against MOT and mileage fraud.

The consultation also seeks views on the frequency of MOTs and how to improve the monitoring of emissions to tackle pollution to bolster the environmental efficiency of vehicles.

Potential new measures include introducing testing of pollutants such as particulate number (PN) and NOx to ensure diesel, petrol and hybrid cars always meet emissions requirements throughout their lifespan.

The announcement of the consultation, as well as its contents, spawned mixed reactions from road safety experts, with some, including the AA president, suggesting it could lead to an increase in accidents.