The Government’s recent proposal to extend the first MOT for vans and cars from three to four years has been welcomed by many, especially motorists looking to save a few quid, but Halfords has spoken out.
The DfT announced a consultation is underway to both extend the first interval when an MOT needs to happen, as well as changing the annual MOT date thereafter to every two years.
However, Halfords says records show an average of 14% of all vehicles currently fail their first MOT, and with 1.6million new vehicles hitting our roads each year, the retailer says around 225,000 could be unfit for use each year if the plans go ahead.
The DfT, on the other hand, is arguing that advancements in build quality and technology mean the annual MOT, which has been in place since 1960, is no longer needed.
Changing MOTs from the third to the fourth year, and then once every two years after that, would put Britain on par with European neighbours, France, Italy, Spain and Portugal where this is already common practice.
If the plans go ahead, the Government says the changes will collectively save the nation's motorists around £100million.
MOTs for cars are capped at a price of £54.85, with repair bills on top, but it’s quite easy to avoid paying that high charge by using an online tool like MotorEasy – which checks garages in your area to provide cheaper quotes.
Graham Stapleton, CEO of Halfords, added: 'The government is right to look at ways to save motorists money, but that cannot come at the expense of safety.
'There are other steps the Government could take to help reduce the cost of motoring, such as extending the 5p-a-litre cut on fuel duty. Many of the issues spotted at the first MOT are easy and inexpensive to fix, but if left to fester they could turn into an expensive repair, meaning it could be a false economy for many motorists.'
Would your be for this change? Will the annual MOT saving make a difference or would you prefer to be on roads where cars are tested annually? Let us know in the comments below.