Join RMIF fight against MOT interval changes at ATS 2007

The Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF) will be rallying opposition against the Government’s plan to lengthen MOT test intervals at the Automotive Trade Show (ATS) 2007.

The RMIF is collecting signatures at ATS 2007 for a petition protesting the Government’s plan to change the MOT test.

Vehicles currently receive their first MOT test at three years old, and are then re-tested annually. If the plans are enacted, vehicles will not undergo their first MOT test until they are four years old. Thereafter, they will only be checked every two years.

According to Ray Holloway, director of the RMIF’s Independent Member Associations, this will be disastrous for MOT testing stations as well as motorists: ‘Around eight million vehicles fail the test every year. If this were to be changed to the suggested “four-two-two” timescale, serious faults with brakes, tyre wear, lights, and steering will go unchecked longer and could directly contribute to a rise in serious accidents and road deaths.

He continues: ‘Without an annual check-up, around 50 per cent of all vehicles could be un-roadworthy. Motorists could also face higher maintenance and insurance costs.

‘With less custom coming through their doors, we will see thousands of MOT testing stations forced to shut down, and many thousands of qualified testers made redundant, perhaps half of all the testers in the UK.’

Holloway adds: ‘We want everyone that comes to ATS 2007 to visit our stand, and sign the petition to help us fight this unwanted and ill-advised plan.’

Visit the RMIF at ATS 2007 (Stand 1628 in Hall One) to sign the petition.