RoadSafe: MOT's must stay annual
Tuesday 31 August 2010 Back to Blog
Van leasing customers should be required to get their vehicles MOT'd once a year, it has been argued.
Road safety charity RoadSafe has spoken out about the possibility of the Department for Transport extending the period vehicles in the UK need to go before renewing an MOT.
Currently, vehicles in the UK over three years old must undergo an MOT every year.
However, under EU law vehicles are only required to have their first test when they are four years old and subsequent tests every two years.
With most European countries following the EU minimum, it has been suggested the UK should follow suit.
However, following figures from the Tyre Industry Federation, that reveal 12 per cent of tyres are illegal on replacement, RoadSafe has said bi-annual tests could be unsafe.
RoadSafe director Adrian Walsh said: "Many owners just don't realise that tyres are a vital part of the braking system. They are one of several essential safety features that drivers seldom check.
"An annual MOT is vital for picking up these problems. RoadSafe joins the Tyre Industry Federation, and other campaigners, with a warning to government, that extending the period between MOT tests will put lives at risk."
It was recently reported that transport secretary Philip Hammond will reject proposals to lower the UK drink-driving limit to make it inline with most other EU countries.