Motorists key in fight to protect MOT
IAAF encourages greater engagement with motorists
Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has found a clear need to educate consumers on the safety benefits of carrying out regular MOT tests.
Activity on IAAF’s growing social media channels calling on consumers to support the industry’s efforts to stop plans to change the first MOT test to four years has generated a mixed, if not sceptical, response from motorists. IAAF is arguing that more needs to be done to support MOT stations and garages with their own communication on the importance of roadworthiness checks.
One user said: “In France a new car doesn’t have to [have an MOT] until it’s four years old and then an MOT is every two years after that, and it works well.”
While another responded with: “Spend a week in an MOT test garage and see the state of some of the vehicles that come in, then imagine them getting another year to drive about unchecked. In an ideal world people would look after their vehicles but sadly this is not always the case. And don't forget that the current UK MOT is minimum standards…”.
Another user, in favour of the extension, commented: “Modern cars are far… safer than they used to be so extending the plan is logical.”
However, this led an aftermarket professional to respond with: “As an MOT inspector I have found and seen lethal faults on vehicles that are tested EVERY year… They use the same potholed roads; potholes do an amazing amount of damage to vehicles every day of the year. Modern vehicles still use brakes and tyres that wear out and get damaged, let alone all the electrical abs, lighting and ancillary components that fail on vehicles…”
IAAF is calling on the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to support the MOT testing stations more. Mark Field, IAAF chief executive, said: “MOT testing stations and testers need to be better supported in communicating to motorists why the MOT test is in place. Much is done on the importance of roadworthiness but more needs to be done to promote confidence with those that are actually carrying out the test.”
IAAF is arguing that changing the test frequency risks driver and public safety and will ultimately cost motorists more money.
“We support plans to modernise the MOT, but we do not believe in a change of frequency. By reducing the frequency, the public will perceive this as being an indication that vehicles are ‘more reliable’, especially in relation to vehicles that use driver style or journey type to calculate when a service is required – which is often every two years. This would be a contradiction to any Governmental message that vehicles need to be maintained more frequently to offset the change in MOT frequency.”
A survey carried out in 2021 found that nine million drivers aren’t aware that their MOT is due, and therefore although many drivers are safety conscious and ensure their vehicle is regularly serviced and maintained, it is too much of a risky strategy to presume all motorists will take the same level of precaution without it being enforced.