by Holly Tribe
New proposals are being considered which will effect the frequency with which vehicles are required to have an MoT test.
The Times newspaper reported changes to the vehicle road worthiness test could see the British model brought in line with its European equivalent.
Under current rules, motorists are required to have new cars tested once they are three years old and then every subsequent year. If the UK is aligned with the European model, cars would only be tested after four years and then every second year.
Striking the balance
The Minister for road safety, Pike Penning, has verified the MoT test will come under review, but couldn’t confirm exactly what changes would be made at this stage. He said: “The MoT plays an important role in making sure vehicles are road worthy and should strike the right balance between vehicle safety and the burden imposed on motorists.
“We intend to undertake a review of the MoT testing regime but have not made a decision about any change to the system.” And Elizabeth Box from the RAC told the newspaper: “Making the test every two years instead of one may well make sense given that today’s cars are generally more reliable.”
“But if drivers do not inspect their cars regularly for tyre or other defects, reducing the formal inspection rate is likely to have a negative impact on road safety.”
A softer approach?
In 2007, 21.6 per cent of three-year old cars failed their MoT, and there are fears the new ‘softer’ approach may compromise road safety and result in job losses in the motoring industry.
The move is one of a number of EU harmonisation initiatives introduced over recent months. Last week, Caravan Times reported changes to the car and trailer practical driving test are due to come into effect from January 2011.
What do you think about the new proposals? Have your say here .
