More than two-thirds of UK drivers worry a proposed easing of MOT guidelines will put their lives in peril, in keeping with a ballot for the automobile business.
The survey, commissioned by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), comes as a Department for Transport (DfT) session into the proposed shake-up closes at 11.45pm on Wednesday.
The potential plans embrace delaying when a brand new automobile, motorcycle or van has its first MOT from the present three years to 4.
Ministers argue that enhancements in street security, electrical vehicles and wider know-how imply the foundations must be modernised – and say it can additionally save motorists cash.
But the ballot of 1,784 Britons, carried out by analysis agency Savanta, discovered 67% opposed the transfer as a result of security issues.
Nearly three-quarters additionally mentioned they believed the price of a MOT – which generally prices from £35 to £45 – was value paying for the peace of thoughts it gave them.
The DfT says the transfer would save motorists round £100m a yr and produce the UK into line with nations akin to Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, Spain and Portugal.
The SMMT, which has beforehand spoken out in opposition to a leisure of the foundations, mentioned it might solely quantity to as little as 23p every week over three years for the typical automobile proprietor.
‘Little urge for food’ for change
Other measures within the session embrace proposals for air pollution checks to kind a part of MOTs and new checks on the batteries of electrical automobiles.
But critics have expressed concern that any shake-up may go even additional, after former Transport Secretary Grant Shapps final yr refused to rule out the prospect of annual MOTs being scrapped and changed with checks each two years as an alternative.
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SMMT chief government Mike Hawes mentioned: “Safety is the number one priority for the automotive industry and the MOT is a crucial component in keeping the UK’s vehicles and roads safe.
“Our survey reveals that drivers help the prevailing MOT frequency and that there’s little urge for food to vary it, regardless of the elevated price of dwelling.”
The checks contain checks on components akin to lights, seatbelts, tyres and brakes however greater than 300,000 automobiles a yr fail their first MOT.
Vehicle defects have been additionally recognized as being partly responsible for not less than 26 deadly crashes on Britain’s roads in 2021.
Source: information.sky.com”