MOT failures shoot up
MOT failures have doubled since tighter regulations were introduced earlier in the year.
According to figures from the DVSA, almost 750,000 cars have failed the tougher emissions test as part of the revamped MOT, which was brought in on May 20, 2018. The figure was more than double the 350,472 cars which failed for emissions in the same period in 2017.
Diesel vehicles have suffered most, with the number of failures shooting up since the new test was brought in. Between May 20 and November 19 last year, 58,004 diesel vehicles failed due to emissions, but for 2018 this had risen to 238,971. The number of petrol cars failing tests for the same reason also increased from 292,468 to 505,721.
The tougher MOT test brought in new categorisation for failures and advisories, while also cracking down on polluting vehicles. The new rules dictate cars must have lower limits for tailpipe emissions while certain diesel vehicles which produce any visible smoke receive automatic failures.
Categories such as ‘Minor’, ‘Major’ or ‘Dangerous’ have been added to monitor faults. Both Dangerous and Major categorisation is equivalent to a failure while Minor is the equivalent to an advisory.
Gareth Llewelyn, DVSA chief executive said, ‘The DVSA’s priority is to protect everyone from unsafe vehicles and drivers. We are committed to making a real difference to those in society whose lives and health are blighted by poor air quality.’
