Mail Online

THREE-YEAR MOT IS ‘A PRICE WORTH PAYING’

MOTORISTS would rather keep the first MOT at three years on safety grounds — than save 23p a week, says new research by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

A poll of British car owners shows nearly seven out of ten (67 per cent) are concerned that extending the MOT would put lives in danger, with threequarters (74 per cent) agreeing that the typical £35 to £45 cost of a test is ‘a price worth paying’ for the peace of mind it provides that their car is safe and roadworthy.

Nine in ten (87 per cent) prefer finding other ways to save money.

It comes as the Government consults on delaying a car’s first MOT from when it is three years old to four or five years in a bid to save motorists money, delivering a cumulative saving to owners of three-year-old cars worth between £91 million and £117 million, based on 2.6 million first presentation tests. But the SMMT said: ‘For the average driver this would represent a saving of £35 to £45 over the first three years’ ownership — or 23p to 29p a week.’

More than 300,000 vehicles fail their first MOT through failure to meet minimum safety requirements.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: ‘Safety is the number one priority for the automotive industry, and the MOT is a crucial component in keeping the UK’s vehicles and roads safe.’

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) said delaying the date for the first MOT, or the frequency of MOTs, ‘would significantly increase road user risk’. Some 87 per cent of its members rejected such a move, it added.

MOTOR MAIL

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https://mailonline.pressreader.com/article/282673281570635

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