Our coalition government are tinkering around with a number of motoring initiatives just now, from tougher driving tests to switching off motorway lights at night. However it seems one new measure will see a relaxation of existing legislation.
The Department of Transport are proposing that we have our cars MOT’d even less. So now we are required to start getting an MOT for our new cars and vans after 3 years and then every 12 months after that. In the future it is suggested that we’ll MOT our new motors at first 4 years old and then every 2 years after that.
At TyreQuote.com we believe the cost of everyday motoring has almost become a luxury, so on the face of it the money saving on less frequent trips to the MOT station is a welcome one. Take it a step further though and we are little concerned. Firstly, with the obscene costs in fuel, insurance and tax, there are too many people on the roads driving illegally without insurance, tax or even having actually paid for legal fuel. These drivers are unfortunately escalating these costs and also making the roads a more dangerous place to be - if they aren’t required to MOT their vehicles every year, there’s also an increased chance of them tearing around in poorly maintained motors too.
We are major advocates for the exceptional service we get from local independent garages. The small businesses often family run with extremely talented mechanics and apprentices and much lower overheads than some of the ‘high street’ garages and therefore smaller charges. If these garages start to see lower levels of business from less frequent MOTs and the maintenance that follows, they could come under threat and be swallowed up by the bigger market players and that would be a very sad situation for the motor industry.
So, we would much rather the system was left alone and cost savings are made elsewhere. Perhaps they could tax us every other year instead?!
Merry Christmas from us all at Tyrequote.com!