New MOT rules could backfire spectacularly and 'compromise' driver safety
The National Franchised Dealers Association for Northern Ireland warned MOT changes would spark safety issues.
New MOT rules could backfire spectacularly with them "compromising" driver safety, it has been warned. The National Franchised Dealers Association for Northern Ireland warned MOT changes would spark safety issues.
The National Franchised Dealers Association for Northern Ireland (NFDA-NI) has firmly opposed plans to change MOT testing from annual to biennial for some vehicles. It comes after a Department for Infrastructure consultation on new MOT testing.
The consultation proposes moving to a two-year cycle, which the IGA argues could lead to a significant increase in unroadworthy and unsafe vehicles remaining in use.
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Jonathan Douglass, Director of the IGA, said: “Reducing the frequency of MOT testing is not just a policy decision, it’s a public safety risk. Data clearly shows that tens of thousands of vehicles would avoid essential inspections each year under the proposed system.
"That includes high-mileage company vehicles and electric cars, which are typically failing their first MOTs at a higher rate. A biennial MOT system would fail to catch these safety-critical issues in time, putting lives at risk and undermining environmental goals.”
The consultation sought views on changing testing frequency for private cars, motorcycles and light goods vehicles. Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of NFDA, said: "NFDA-NI has consistently raised concerns about the MOT challenges in the region, regularly pointing out areas that need improvement.
"The UK has one of the best vehicle safety records in Europe, and a move to biennial testing would significantly undermine this and not be a viable solution." In reply, a motorist fumed: "I noticed the insurance people are straight on it, any excuse to triple premiums."
"with modern cars that do not rust and most of the mot is visual anyway i agree," a second said. Another said: "'Cars currently require an mot every 12 months' - Only cars over three years old require mot's every 12 months."
Douglass concludes: “The IGA urges the DVA to uphold Northern Ireland’s strong road safety record and environmental commitments by rejecting the proposed move to biennial testing.
"A reduction in MOT frequency risks undermining decades of progress in keeping unsafe and environmentally harmful vehicles off the road."
The data shows over 56,000 vehicles that would have failed an annual MOT may remain on the road under the proposed system.
And testing could significantly delay the identification and repair of emissions system faults, conflicting with the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.