The annual MOT for motorists could become a thing of the past if a suggestion by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps is taken up by the Government. He has raised the possibility of making the test every two years, to help with the cost of living crisis.
At the moment, cars over three years old need a current MOT certificate which must be renewed every year, a cost burden on families who are facing soaring energy bills and rising inflation. The Government pegs the annual cost of an MOT at a maximum of £54.85, although repair work to make it pass can make motorists pay a lot more.
The BBC has reported that Mr Shapps wants to examine the possibility of extending renewal times to help drivers. Having an MOT test every other year, would save motorists £27.43 a year.
Read More: Petrol prices are rising but here's how to save money on fuel costs
But the AA motoring group has said changing the requirement could end up costing motorists more.
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at the AA, said: “Though well intended, moving the yearly £55 spend on an MOT to every two years could make costs worse for drivers with higher repair bills, make our roads more dangerous and would put jobs in the garage industry at risk.
“Only recently the Government stepped away from switching the MOT to every two years on the grounds of road safety. While AA polling shows overwhelming support from drivers who like the security that an annual health check provides.
Number 10 has said the Prime Minister wanted to look at ways to ease living costs, with proposals being sent to the Government’s domestic and economic strategy committee for further discussion.
One source who attended the Cabinet meeting told The Telegraph: “If we moved from an annual check to a check every two years, that is halving the cost of MOT renewal. That is a bread and butter policy that shows that the Conservatives are on your side.”
