HPI cautious of new MoT plans
HPI has warned that a four-year MoT period will potentially open the door for clockers looking to make a fast profit.
As industry players join forces, raising consumer safety fears on the back of the Government’s plans to consult on extending the MoT period from three years to four years – as announced in the budget – HPI has warned that the proposed changes would also see the risk of fraud from clockers escalate.
Neil Hodson, managing director for HPI, said of the Chancellor’s proposal, ‘There are clearly some safety concerns surrounding the idea of extending the MoT period by a further 12 months, but there is also an increased risk of fraud.
‘Whilst it’s fair to assume that older cars are the most likely to have their mileage reading altered, the reality is that around a third of all cars checked by the trade with HPI are found to have a mileage discrepancy within the first three years of their life. Extending the period for a further fourth year, would see the number of pre-MoT cars with a suspect mileage, increasing putting dealers and used car buyers at significant risk.’
HPI’s National Mileage Register (NMR) contains over 200 million mileage records covering vehicles of all ages, dating as far back as 1992, it crucially holds the mileage readings of vehicles less than three years of age.
Neil concluded, ‘The proposed extension on the MoT offers motorists savings on one hand, but it could cost them and the industry a lot more if it gives clockers a free ride.’
