Government has proposed extending the period before a vehicle has to have its first MOT from 3 years to 4. In response to this, The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) has responded to Governments consultation as the voice of automotive retailers across the UK, as well as launching a petition with leading industry bodies including the Independent Garage Association (IGA), National Tyre Distributors Association and Scottish Motor Trade Association.
As of today, Government has responded to the petition as it has reached over 10,000 signed signatures. The Department for Transport’s response is as follows:
"The Government consultation on MOT reform closed on 22nd March 2023. We are currently analysing the results and will release a decision in the near future.
The current MOT regime has been in place for a significant amount of time, and during that period, new types of vehicles such as hybrids and electrics have become more prevalent on our roads, and new road safety standards and vehicle safety technologies such as advanced driver assistance technologies (ADAS) have been introduced and improved considerably. We believe that it is therefore appropriate to consider whether any changes are needed to ensure that MOT testing remains fit for purpose and proportionate.
The Government appreciates all those who have taken the time to provide a response to the consultation. We will consider all the responses and evidence submitted before a decision is made. Safety is, and always will be, our priority so we will not make any change before being confident about the impacts. With that in mind a decision will be announced in the near future once that analysis has been done.
The consultation also included a call for evidence about areas for potential longer-term MOT reform including electric vehicles and automated systems. We believe this offers the opportunity to improve vehicle safety and ensure that the MOT test benefits road users into the future."
The Petitions Committee will take a look at this petition and its response. They can press the government for action and gather evidence. If this petition reaches 100,000 signatures, the Committee will consider it for a debate.
To sign the petition please visit: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/631650/signatures/new
For more information or if you have any questions regarding the consultation or the petition, please reach out to oliver.nurser@rmif.co.uk.
