8 AFTERMARKET MARCH 2024 BIG ISSUE www.aftermarketonline.net While the MOT is a fixed point in the calendar for many car owners, and a reliable source of work for garages, the test is most importantly a mandatory safety check, and must move with the times. It was this question that led to the Government running the MOT consultation last year. It sought views on how the MOT could be modernised, including particle number (PN) testing, with a view to improving vehicle emissions. However, it was the suggestion of moving away from the traditional 3-1-1 pattern that caused the biggest reaction in the sector. Organisations across the industry including the IGA, GEA, IAAF and more worked to put the case for 3-1-1 as part of their overall consultation submissions. As a result, the Government’s decision to stick with the existing MOT frequency was almost unanimously welcomed across the sector. Commitment IGA Chief Executive Stuart James said: "We are pleased that the Government has listened to our concerns and opted to retain the three-year time period for the first MOT. Public safety is paramount, and the decision aligns with our commitment to protecting motorists by ensuring the continued effectiveness of MOT testing in identifying potential safety issues as early as possible." As part of its campaign to help maintain the status of the test, the IGA ran a Government petition, collecting more than 11,000 signatures from those opposed to changing the frequency of the test. The consultation also looked at where the test could be improved and modernised, with the inclusion of ADAS and more effective emissions testing discussed. Stuart added: "The IGA looks forward to contributing to discussions on the future of MOT testing and other reforms. Our commitment to promoting road safety and protecting consumers remains unwavering, and we will actively participate in shaping policies that benefit both motorists and the industry." LKQ UK & Ireland CEO Kevan Wooden observed: “This is a fantastic outcome for UK road users and the aftermarket. We lobbied hard alongside our industry partners to push back against the proposed changes on the grounds that they would put the UK’s hard-won reputation for road safety at risk, endanger our national net zero ambitions and increase costs to motorists. And this is without mentioning the impact it would have had on work volumes in the aftermarket. As with Block Exemption, we have once again shown the impact the industry can have when it comes together to push for what’s right.” Opportunity IAAF Chief Executive Mark Field commented: “Plans to extend the first test from three to four years have been met with the full power of the entire automotive industry including motorists, who have been united in their view that extending the test frequency risks driver safety. “Every argument put forward to change the date of the first test has been overcome. An extended test won’t save motorists money and will in fact generate higher bills from MOT CONSULTATION RESPONSE: SECTOR WELCOMES OUTCOME The sector was united in welcoming the Government’s decision to keep the MOT at a 3-1-1 frequency
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