The Government has been urged to reconsider the six-month MOT exemption, introduced as part of its response to Covid-19, now that lockdown restrictions have been eased.
A group of UK motor bodies – including the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) – fear the number of potentially dangerous cars on the road will rise, as more people return to work.
The group says MOT testers are ready to welcome back more customers, with comprehensive COVID-19 safety measures across all points of interaction.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “With Government advice stating that workers should avoid public transport when returning to work, the use of private cars is likely to rise more sharply than it already has over recent weeks.
“Given many of these vehicles have been idle for weeks, a reconsideration of the six-month MOT extension needs to be made as soon as possible.
“It is timely that the aftermarket can assure customers and colleagues that it is ready to re-open safely to ensure workers’ vehicles remain roadworthy. This is essential, not just for the sector, but for the restart of the wider UK economy.”
In March, the Government announced vehicle owners would receive a six-month exemption from MOT testing – as part of its response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The temporary exemption, which came into effect on 30 March, is designed to ‘enable frontline workers to get to work’ and ‘vital services to continue’ during the coronavirus outbreak.
When announcing the exemption, the DfT stressed that vehicles must still be kept in a roadworthy condition during this period – while garages will remain open for repair work where essential.
…the lockdown restrictions haven’t eased here yet.
Pat, Wales
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