Two-year MoTs in pipeline

20th July 2010

Annual MoT tests could be stretched to two years under new Government plans. 

The proposal, which would save motorists £465million a year, was confirmed by Government transport spokesman in the Lords, Earl Attlee, who promised a review this year.

But the prospect is already sparking safety fears. Britain has the most rigorous testing regime in Europe, and one of the highest failure rates. Official figures show tests failures rose from 33 per cent in 2006-7 to 36 per cent in 2008-9. The likely move to a 4-2-2 format, with the first test after four years instead of three, is used in many Continental countries. But in France, the first test failure rate is only 5.6 per cent – against 28 per cent here.

“If we went to four years, we would have a lot more cars on the roads with potential safety issues,” said Neil Greig, director of policy at the Institute of Advanced Motorists.