The DVSA has launched a new MOT reminder service – after revealing that around 28% of cars will be overdue for the annual test at any one time.
The new reminder service, currently in beta stage, is designed to reduce the number of collisions in which the roadworthiness of one of the vehicles involved is a contributory factor.
Vehicle owners who sign up for the service will receive a reminder, by text message and email, four weeks before an MOT is due – and again two weeks prior to the expiry date if the vehicle still hasn’t been tested.
Speaking at the 2017 National Road Safety Conference on 14 November, DVSA chief executive Gareth Llewellyn revealed that around 36% of vehicles fail the MOT test first time – which means they are ‘unsafe on the roads’.
The DfT’s most recent annual report on road casualties for Great Britain shows that ‘roadworthiness of vehicles’ was deemed a contributory factor in 1,687 collisions during 2016.
Baroness Sugg, transport minister, said: “Booking your next MOT is easy to overlook but it plays an important role in making sure the vehicles on our roads are safe and meeting high environmental standards.
“Getting a text or email will serve as a useful prompt to make sure people get their vehicle checked out on time.”
Gareth Llewellyn said: “DVSA’s priority is to help you keep your vehicle safe to drive.
“The annual MOT checks that important parts of your vehicle meet the legal standards at the time of the test.
“Motorists should also remember that to be a safe and responsible driver, and reduce the risk of your vehicle’s condition causing an accident that kills or seriously injures someone, you need to check your vehicle all year round.”
Category: Vehicles & technology.
I’d be interested to know in what way ‘roadworthiness of vehicles’ was deemed a contributory factor in 1,687 collisions during 2016.” And how that was established with enough conviction to become part of official statistics.
Hugh Jones, Cheshire
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