MOT demand

MOT demand

7 May 2008

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Industry execs issue government ultimatum on future of 4-2-2 tests

INDUSTRY executives have demanded the government launches a consultation on the future of MOTs now – or abandons its 4-2-2 proposals altogether.

Brian Spratt, secretary of the Automotive Aftermarket Liaison Group (AALG), has written to Ruth Kelly, the secretary of state for transport, saying the trade is suffering because of the government’s indecision.

The AALG is an association of aftermarket trade associations, designed to give the industry a voice at the highest levels of government.

Last year, the Department For Transport (DFT) launched controversial proposals to change MOT testing to a 4-2-2 yearly structure. It promised a formal consultation would be started to find out what MOT testers thought of the idea but has consistently failed to start one.

“While the department prevaricates, individuals and companies in the motor trade remain unsure of the basis upon which they may wish to make investment decisions,” wrote Brian.

“This is bad for the individuals and companies concerned, it is also bad for the consumers, motorists, fleet operators – et al, who are denied an opportunity to ensure that their vehicles are maintained using the very latest techniques and equipment.”

Brian’s letter on behalf of the AALG also gave the DFT an ultimatum. “We, representing a substantial section of the motor industry, challenge you and your officials to either release the consultation paper promptly, or announce the total abandonment of any move to change the frequency of vehicle testing,” continued Brian.

“Only by such actions can a very important sector of the UK economy be allowed to get on with its job,” he concluded.

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That letter to Ruth Kelly in full...

Dear Secretary of State,

I write on behalf of the Automotive Aftermarket Liaison Group; a regular forum of trade associations in the independent automotive aftermarket.

The associations’ members’ activities include the manufacture, wholesale and retail distribution of car and truck components, tyres, batteries, body panels, and lighting; plus the manufacturers of garage and workshop tools, diagnostic and heavy equipment, and the garages and workshops that service and repair vehicles, thus providing an essential service to motorists and vehicle users in all areas of the economy.

For several months DfT officials have repeatedly advised AALG members that a public consultation on the frequency of MoT tests is ‘imminent’. However, it appears that the Department is unable to produce a consultation document that would properly explore the very serious implications for road safety, congestion, insurance fraud and environmental considerations, without compromising the Treasury’s desire to manipulate the system into a revenue raising measure.

Whilst the Department prevaricates, individuals and companies in the motor trade remain unsure of the basis upon which they may wish to make investment decisions. This is bad for the individuals and companies concerned, it is also bad for the consumers – motorists – fleet operators – et al, who are denied an opportunity to ensure that their vehicles are maintained using the very latest techniques and equipment.

In addition, the Department’s own agency, VOSA, is keen for MoT testing stations to adopt new technology in the form of Automated Test Lanes. This involves substantial investment by the testing stations and, quite understandably, proprietors are unwilling to make such investment until the situation regarding testing frequency and the revenue therein is clear. Thus a major plank of the DfT’s improvement programme for testing stations is thwarted.

This situation cannot be allowed to continue.

We, representing a substantial section of the Motor Industry, challenge you and your officials to either release the consultation paper promptly, or announce the total abandonment of any move to change the frequency of vehicle testing. Only by such actions can a very important sector of the UK economy be allowed to get on with its job!

I, and my colleagues in the AALG are available to speak to you and your officials about this issue.

Yours sincerely

Brian Spratt
Secretary to the AALG
Chief Executive ADF

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