Andy Burnham is facing calls to make massive changes to MOT testing fees, but experts have warned of the consequences for drivers.
Andy Burnham is facing calls to hike MOT test fees (Image: Getty)
Andy Burnham has been warned about the risks of increasing MOT test fees as campaigners push for the Prime Minister to raise costs. MOT tests are currently capped at £54.85 per year, but the Independent Garage Association (IGA) is demanding that the maximum charge is increased. The IGA has suggested a new £95 fee is needed, with garages battling rising overhead costs and MOT rates remaining frozen since 2010.
Matt Crole-Rees, motoring expert at Confused.com has suggested the move could backfire, with drivers already “watching every penny” to stay on the roads. He pointed out that new research shows drivers were already paying out well over £100 to get their car through an MOT test once repairs picked up in the exam are carried out.
Matt said: “While the industry is calling for the cap to rise to cover its costs, it’s worth thinking about what that means for drivers already watching every penny, especially with fuel and insurance creeping up again. Our research shows drivers spend £111 on average on their test once you add up booking fees and repairs.”
New data from Confused.com have revealed that almost 1 in 10 (9%) have already put off their MOT because of the price of tests. Meanwhile, over 1 in 6 (17%) think that an MOT test should only be needed every two years in a bid to keep costs down.Matt warned that rising MOT bills could be the final straw for cash-strapped road users, with many likely to “delay” the important safety check.
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He said: “If the price rises, some drivers might be tempted to delay their test, or try to avoid it with a fake certificate. But driving with a fake or invalid MOT could mean a fine of up to £1,000, as well as possible insurance problems.
MOT test fees are currently capped at £54.85, but campaigners want to see this changed (Image: Getty)
“The bigger concern is safety. The MOT test checks key parts such as brakes, tyres, steering and suspension, so a genuine certificate protects you and everyone else on the road.”
The IGA has warned that garages are having to make difficult commercial decisions about how they use their workshop space, with many forced to prioritise more commercially viable repair and servicing work over conducting tests. The IGA warned that if this trend continues, the number of MOT appointments available to motorists could fall.
Stuart James, Chief Executive of the Independent Garage Association, previously said: “The MOT fee has been frozen since 2010, while the cost of running a garage and carrying out an MOT has risen significantly. Our members are telling us that they are reaching the point where they can no longer absorb these rising costs and still make MOT testing commercially viable.”
Andy Burnham is facing calls to make massive changes to MOT testing fees, but experts have warned of the consequences for drivers.
Andy Burnham is facing calls to hike MOT test fees (Image: Getty)
Andy Burnham has been warned about the risks of increasing MOT test fees as campaigners push for the Prime Minister to raise costs. MOT tests are currently capped at £54.85 per year, but the Independent Garage Association (IGA) is demanding that the maximum charge is increased. The IGA has suggested a new £95 fee is needed, with garages battling rising overhead costs and MOT rates remaining frozen since 2010.
Matt Crole-Rees, motoring expert at Confused.com has suggested the move could backfire, with drivers already “watching every penny” to stay on the roads. He pointed out that new research shows drivers were already paying out well over £100 to get their car through an MOT test once repairs picked up in the exam are carried out.
Matt said: “While the industry is calling for the cap to rise to cover its costs, it’s worth thinking about what that means for drivers already watching every penny, especially with fuel and insurance creeping up again. Our research shows drivers spend £111 on average on their test once you add up booking fees and repairs.”
New data from Confused.com have revealed that almost 1 in 10 (9%) have already put off their MOT because of the price of tests. Meanwhile, over 1 in 6 (17%) think that an MOT test should only be needed every two years in a bid to keep costs down.Matt warned that rising MOT bills could be the final straw for cash-strapped road users, with many likely to “delay” the important safety check.
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He said: “If the price rises, some drivers might be tempted to delay their test, or try to avoid it with a fake certificate. But driving with a fake or invalid MOT could mean a fine of up to £1,000, as well as possible insurance problems.
MOT test fees are currently capped at £54.85, but campaigners want to see this changed (Image: Getty)
“The bigger concern is safety. The MOT test checks key parts such as brakes, tyres, steering and suspension, so a genuine certificate protects you and everyone else on the road.”
The IGA has warned that garages are having to make difficult commercial decisions about how they use their workshop space, with many forced to prioritise more commercially viable repair and servicing work over conducting tests. The IGA warned that if this trend continues, the number of MOT appointments available to motorists could fall.
Stuart James, Chief Executive of the Independent Garage Association, previously said: “The MOT fee has been frozen since 2010, while the cost of running a garage and carrying out an MOT has risen significantly. Our members are telling us that they are reaching the point where they can no longer absorb these rising costs and still make MOT testing commercially viable.”