Aftermarket July/August 2022 Issue

changes and that these would be preceded by a public consultation. Should there be any developments on this, the IGA will respond robustly as we have done in the past, and more recently when a similar consultation was held regarding MOT frequency change in Northern Ireland.” Concerning time IAAF Chief Executive Mark Field’s view on the proposed frequency change was very simple: “There’s a phrase I heard once which was; ‘You tinker with the housing market at your peril’. The same can be said for the MOT Test. “The automotive industry performed admirably during the pandemic and many businesses had to adjust to new trends as a result of the MOT Exemption. Fast-forward to today and if you add in labour and skills shortages, it’s a very concerning time for all. If a change in the MOT test frequency is being considered, this would be the second in five years, and third time in the last 10. “If we’re going to put the test under the microscope again, we need to have a grown-up conversation about it and look at all the modelling. The view here is that if the government undertakes a consultation then everything, including a strengthening of the test, should be considered.” Condemnation Mark continued: “A large frustration for independent garages is the upheaval an extension would bring and there is no data to support it. The automotive industry is united in its condemnation of any possible frequency change to the MOT test, with UKAFCAR, the coalition formed to lobby the UK government in a post-Brexit era, calling it a ‘dangerous step backwards for road safety’. “IAAF, through our work with UKAFCAR, has called on the UK government to shelve any such proposals that reduce road safety and lead to an actual increase in car repair and maintenance costs. The environment would also suffer as vehicle emissions remaining unchecked will result in poorly maintained vehicles harming the environment. “To ensure motoring is as safe and cost-effective as possible, motorists must have their vehicle inspected and serviced regularly. Evidence shows MOT and servicing is done at the same time so a reduction in test frequency means a reduction in servicing and further separates a motorist’s responsibility on a vehicle’s roadworthiness.” Significant reduction Larger changes wrought by the pandemic could be exacerbated by a longer wait between MOTs according to Mark. “Moving to an extended testing period with an ageing vehicle parc would see more defective vehicles on the roads and potentially cause more accidents and fatalities, as well as higher repair costs. “Despite advancements in vehicle technology, there is no evidence to support suggestions that modern vehicles are less likely to suffer from wear and tear, safety related defects. And with safety critical items such as tyres and brakes still the main cause for MOT failures, any extension is extremely concerning. We recognise the enormous strain the rising cost of living has on UK families and its solution will need be found through a diverse and widespread range of measures. “However, each time the MOT test frequency has been called into question, it has been proven beyond doubt that extending the test frequency would mean a significant reduction in road safety as there would be more defective vehicles on UK roads and, as a consequence, an actual increase in repair costs for drivers.” Mark added: “Any move to extend MOT test frequency would also be a significant blow to thousands of people, jobs and business in the automotive repair sector, who were able to remain open throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, ensuring the safe and affordable mobility of essential workers and members of the public.” Planning ahead Commenting on the impact of the pandemic, Anthony McAteer, Channel and Sales Excellence Director at LKQ Euro Car Parts said: “The pandemic turned the traditional MOT demand curve on its head. Nearly three quarters of MOTs due in the early months of the UK’s first national lockdown were deferred until the autumn, meaning they will once again be due in the coming weeks, on top of those that have always fallen later in the year. With demand set to spike, we’re encouraging garages to get ahead of the curve. Preparing now will allow you to not only effectively manage demand, but maximise revenue.” He continued: “A simple first step is getting in touch with customers who you know have tests coming up. This means you can plan resource in the best way, as well as get more tests booked in overall. And don’t forget that vehicles due a MOT can be serviced up to a month in advance, you can start to tick vehicles off early to avoid a glut come September. “It’s important to leverage data and technology when mapping out demand, too. Tools like HaynesPro let you accurately estimate labour costs and identify the right 50 AFTERMARKET JULY/AUGUST 2022 MOT www.aftermarketonline.net Any move to extend MOT test frequency would also be a significant blow to thousands of people, jobs and business in the automotive repair sector ”