Motor factors 44 www.aftermarketonline.net NOVEMBER 2024 Data crunched by motor factor delivery partner Gophr, has revealed the true extent of the MOT crisis in Great Britain, as garages struggle to get cars back on the road. According to Gophr’s ‘Pressure for Parts’ research*, a lack of MOTauthorised garages, increasing numbers of cars on the road combined with vital parts becoming harder to source quickly, means that mechanics face a pile-up of vehicles awaiting tests to prove that they are road-worthy. The figures show that the number of MOT-authorised vehicle testing stations (VTSs) in Great Britain that can carry out class 4 MOTs has dropped by 167 in the past 12 months to 22,962 vs 23,129 in 2023. As a consequence, nominated testers are overstretched and struggling to meet demand in these areas, while drivers are also being forced to travel far out of their local area just to get an MOT test, Gophr said. Adding to this pressure on test centres is the 11.31% increase in passenger vehicles over the last 10 years, with 32,694,800 cars on the road in 2024. The research also revealed that ‘MOT deserts,’ outside of London, are most prevalent in Milton Keynes, with 3,621.59 cars per VTS with Swindon (2,753.68 cars per VTS) and Brighton (2,434.21 cars per VTS) rounding off the ‘Top 3’. Meanwhile, the story in London makes for worse reading for those hoping for a quick MOT turnaround, especially if you live in Westminster, where there are 12,500 cars per VTS, or Islington where only 4 VTSs service the 33,600 cars in the borough. Kensington & Chelsea come third with 4,762.5 cars per VTS, which is still more than Milton Keynes. Drivers in London also run the risk of paying the ULEZ charge twice if their vehicle has to be kept overnight, with all inner and outer London boroughs sitting within the ULEZ Charging Zone. This further increases the need for centres to clear backlogs faster. Adding to MOT pressures, garages are also increasingly finding it difficult to source vital parts for non-MOT related problems, with their mechanics struggling to get hold of radiator hoses, dashboard panels and steering shafts leading to “jams” in getting cars back on the road. Additionally, the industry is facing a significant skills shortage, leading to garage owners increasingly calling in contractors to cover the excessive workload. Graham Smith, strategic account director at Gophr, said: “Our research shows that MOT test stations across the UK are under increasing pressure for the second successive year. Not only are we seeing fewer garages that can facilitate such testing, but those same garages are struggling to get the parts they need to get cars back on the road.” *The full list of the UK towns and cities with the most to least concentration of cars per MOT testing stations is online: https://uk.gophr. com/mot-deserts-2024 Partnership delivers supercharged impact Essex Motor Factors’ decision to deploy a VN5 from London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) as its latest van fleet newcomer is set to be ‘hailed’ a huge success. And why wouldn’t it be, given that its design not only centres on the iconic look of London’s esteemed Black Cab, it has a striking and eye-catching vehicle wrap that features Banner’s iconic bull branding. Joining a 38-strong van delivery fleet, Essex Motor Factors said the decision to introduce the VN5 supports its ongoing relationship with Banner, one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of lead acid batteries and battery accessories. Essex Motor Factors’ operations director Matt Little said: “The VN5, with our banding and that of Banner, really does make a statement whilst out on the road, and it has already attracted a great deal of interest amongst our customer base. “We have enjoyed a great working relationship with Banner over the last 13 years and this latest initiative serves to support how our association with them continues to develop. “Not only are Banner’s batteries manufactured to the highest OE standards, the support service they provide is excellent all-round.” As one of the region’s leading distributors of quality automotive parts and accessories to a garage and independent customer base, the Banner Power Company VN5 will operate delivering parts to customers within a 14-mile radius of Essex Motor Factors’ four branches — in Braintree, Maldon, Witham and Bishop’s Stortford. Gophr research reveals ‘extent of MOT crisis’
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