MOT price freeze and crackdown on whiplash fraud

An MOT price freeze and a crackdown on whiplash fraud are part of a selection of Government measures that will attempt to help drivers in the UK cut their annual costs.

Put forward by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), the plans also include a scheme to help reduce the cost of fuel at motorway services.

Also included is a review into the cost of both the theory and practical driving test, as the Government looks to offer further savings.

According to statistics from the AA, the average price of insurance has fallen 12.3 per cent in the year October, from £648 in October 2012 to £568 in 2013. The MoJ claims that the scheme, which only allows evidence from accredited medical professionals on whiplash claims, will help lower this further.

At the same time the number of claim firms has fallen by more than 1,000, from 2,553 in December 2011 to 1,485 in September 2013. This follows the Government’s reforms on ‘No win, no fee’ rules, which it believes has helped reduce insurance costs by 12 per cent, or £80 on an average policy.

Other key points are the decision to freeze the statutory maximum price of the MOT test at £54.85 until 2015, as well as action to look at reducing motorway service fuel prices – including comparison signs on motorway routes to show drivers where they can get the best deal.

Roads Minister Robert Goodwill said: "The costs of owning and running a car are felt by millions of households and businesses across the nation. The Government is determined to help keep those costs down. That is why we are freezing the price for an MOT test and looking again at the costs associated with getting a driving licence.

“We also want to make it easier for people to get a better deal on fuel at motorway service stations, for instance through a trial of motorway signs that will show motorists the different fuel prices on offer on their route."