MOT test not rip off says RMIF

‘The suggestion that the garage trade is ripping off consumers by creating additional work for itself through the MOT test is a slur on the industry, and also devalues the hugely positive effect that the test has on UK road safety,’ said Ray Holloway, director of independent membership of the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF), referring to comments about the sector made in a survey today (Wednesday 8 August 2007) issued by Car Parts Direct.

According to Holloway, Car Parts Direct has a distorted view of the relationship between the MOT and the work performed around it by garages: ‘51 per cent of motorists only ever have their car serviced to get it through the MOT.*

‘In this way, the MOT has provided the UK with one of the best road safety records in the EU, by encouraging motorists to make sure their car can pass the test by keeping it properly maintained.

‘Considering that 32 per cent of vehicles fail the MOT test every year**, where would we be without it in road safety terms?’

Holloway adds: ‘Garages will make repairs and replace parts while actually performing the MOT to avoid failure and the need for a retest. This saves money and time for motorists,’ said Holloway.

* Figures courtesy of Kwik Fit
* * Figures courtesy of the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA)