IGA urges a government MOT rethink

The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has warned the government’s decision to extend MOTs for six months could have dire consequences for independent garages.

It said that more than 80% of the UK’s 30 million annual MOTs are carried out by the independent sector, many of whom will suffer significant cash flow problems as a result of this decision.

It added that the current MOT failure rate is 31%, which means that nearly 10 million vehicles do not meet even the basic roadworthiness level of compliance. Any length of MOT extension will consequently increase the number of vehicles that are unroadworthy.

Instead, the IGA is proposing to government that they start with an initial six-week MOT extension period, which could then then reviewed on a weekly basis

Stuart James, IGA chief executive said: “We really need the government to take this on board. We understand that measures need to be put in place to fight the [coronavirus], and support these measures, however we do not agree with the six months extension of MOTs. We urge the government to show a degree of flexibility, as the repercussions for the independent sector will be severe.

“Better guidance also needs to be given to the public regarding the extension to ensure that vehicles remain roadworthy.”