Introduction:

A petition launched by a campaign group consisting of the Independent Garage Association, National Tyre Distributors Association, and Scottish Motor Trade Association has received over 10,000 signatures, urging the UK government not to extend the period before a vehicle's first MOT to four years.

Industry insiders have expressed concerns about the proposed change, describing it as dangerous and putting lives at risk. The petition argues that extending the MOT period would be both expensive and unnecessary and emphasises the importance of maintaining the current system to ensure road safety.

The government has acknowledged the petition but maintains that changes to the MOT system could enhance vehicle safety. A decision on MOT reform is pending, following the analysis of consultation results by the Department for Transport.

Full Article:

A petition urging the UK government not to extend the period before a vehicle's first MOT to four years has garnered significant support, with over 10,000 signatures. The petition, launched by a campaign group representing the Independent Garage Association, National Tyre Distributors Association, and Scottish Motor Trade Association, highlights concerns about the proposed change and its potential impact on road safety.

Industry insiders have expressed strong reservations about extending the MOT period, describing it as a dangerous measure that puts lives at risk. They argue that the current three-year MOT period is necessary to identify vehicle defects and ensure that cars on the road are safe to drive. The petition asserts that extending the MOT period would be both expensive and unnecessary, posing risks to both drivers and pedestrians.

The campaign group is targeting 100,000 signatures, which would trigger a debate in Parliament. With over 10,000 signatures already obtained, the petition has reached a significant milestone in raising awareness about the industry's concerns regarding the proposed MOT reform.

Stuart James, the chief executive of the Independent Garage Association, emphasised the gravity of the situation. He highlighted that fewer than 2% of petitions reach the 10,000-signature threshold for a government response, demonstrating the depth of concern among industry members and the motoring public. James maintains that delaying the first MOT would be expensive, dangerous, damaging, and unnecessary.

The Department for Transport has responded to the petition, stating that the proposed changes offer an opportunity to improve vehicle safety and ensure that the MOT test remains relevant in the future. The government recognises the need to consider whether adjustments are necessary in light of new vehicle technologies and safety standards. The consultation on MOT reform closed on 22nd March 2023, and the government is currently analysing the results to make an informed decision.

In their response, the Department for Transport acknowledged the significant duration of the current MOT regime, during which hybrid and electric vehicles have become more prevalent on the roads, and new safety technologies, such as advanced driver assistance systems, have been introduced and improved. They believe it is crucial to assess whether any changes are required to keep the MOT testing process fit for purpose and proportionate to the evolving landscape.

While the government appreciates the responses received during the consultation, it prioritises safety and will not implement any changes until confident about their impact. The Department for Transport assures the public that a decision will be announced in the near future, after a thorough analysis of the consultation responses and evidence.

The consultation also encompassed a call for evidence on potential longer-term MOT reform, including aspects related to electric vehicles and automated systems. The government sees this as an opportunity to enhance vehicle safety and ensure that the MOT test continues to benefit road users in the future.

The petition's growing support reflects the industry's commitment to public safety and its concerns about the proposed MOT changes. As the campaign group strives to gather more signatures, industry partners are ready to scrutinise the government's decisions and ensure that they consider the needs of the industry while upholding public safety.

In conclusion, the petition against extending the period before a vehicle's first MOT to four years has gained over 10,000 signatures. The campaign group comprising the Independent Garage Association, National Tyre Distributors Association, and Scottish Motor Trade Association highlights the dangers, expenses, damages, and unnecessary risks associated with the proposed change. The government response emphasises the potential to enhance vehicle safety through MOT reform but assures the public that no changes will be made without careful analysis and consideration of their impact. As the decision is pending, the motor trade industry remains committed to advocating for road safety and ensuring that the needs of the industry are adequately addressed in any MOT reforms.