Spotlight 10 www.aftermarketonline.net APRIL 2025 Thaw in sight for MOT price freeze? As the test fee remains frozen into its 15th year, the IGA tells government policy chiefs the economic heat being endured by garages is becoming unsustainable Garage industry leaders held what was described as a high-level meeting with policy chiefs from the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency on March 11 to discuss the immense financial strain now being placed on garages by the stagnant MOT fee cap. However, despite the urgency of the talks, the automotive sector is still waiting for the mandarins of Whitehall to signal the government’s intentions. One industry insider who spoke to Aftermarket magazine on condition of anonymity said it was privately feared that ministers have become too distracted by the fallout of last autumn’s budget — and potential further adjustments to the nation’s finances — to give the auto industry some clarity. And as this edition went to press, there was still no confirmation from the DfT about when a decision on finally raising the price cap might be announced. The IGA had urged garages to speak up ahead of its talks about the longstanding MOT fee freeze. At the meeting, the IGA presented what it said was compelling evidence that the fee cap, unchanged since 2010, along with increasing operational costs is putting independent garages under unsustainable financial pressure. Without government intervention, garages are likely to re-assess which services return the greatest yield, ensuring they are generating enough revenue to cover business costs, the IGA warned. This could lead to obstacles in maintaining MOT services as a priority, contributing to longer waiting times, higher costs for motorists and potential risks to road safety. CEO of the IGA, Stuart James, said: “The independent garage sector plays a crucial role in ensuring the UK maintains its position as a world leader in road safety and providing affordable, accessible MOT services to millions of motorists. “However, the outdated MOT fee cap is placing financial strain on garages. If the government does not act swiftly, providing a solution that protects the MOT credibility while still keeping MOT tests a viable service for garages, we risk a decline in MOT service availability, which could lead to more unroadworthy vehicles on UK roads.” The IGA said urgent policy intervention is needed to secure the future of independent garages and protect motorists. The talks came ahead of the March 31 deadline for all MOT testers to complete their mandatory annual training and assessment to avoid suspension from testing duties. According to latest industry data, more than 20,000 testers were still outstanding ahead of the deadline,
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