Most drivers fear MOT rules relaxation will risk lives, suggests poll
More than two-thirds of UK drivers fear a proposed easing of MOT rules will put their lives in danger, according to a poll for the car industry.
The survey, commissioned by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), comes as a Department for Transport (DfT) consultation into the proposed shake-up closes at 11.45pm on Wednesday.
The potential plans include delaying when a new car, motorbike or van has its first MOT from the current three years to four.
Ministers argue that improvements in road safety, electric cars and wider technology mean the rules need to be modernised – and say it will also save motorists money.
But the poll of 1,784 Britons, carried out by research firm Savanta, found 67% opposed the move due to safety concerns.
Nearly three-quarters also said they believed the cost of a MOT – which typically costs from £35 to £45 – was worth paying for the peace of mind it gave them.
The DfT says the move would save motorists around £100m a year and bring the UK into line with countries such as Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, Spain and Portugal.
The SMMT, which has previously spoken out against a relaxation of the rules, said it would only amount to as little as 23p a week over three years for the average car owner.
‘Little appetite’ for change
Other measures in the consultation include proposals for pollution tests to form part of MOTs and new checks on the batteries of electric vehicles.
But critics have expressed concern that any shake-up could go even further, after former Transport Secretary Grant Shapps last year refused to rule out the prospect of annual MOTs being scrapped and replaced with checks every two years instead.
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SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “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 shows that drivers support the existing MOT frequency and that there is little appetite to change it, despite the increased cost of living.”
The tests involve checks on parts such as lights, seatbelts, tyres and brakes but more than 300,000 vehicles a year fail their first MOT.
Vehicle defects were also identified as being partly to blame for at least 26 fatal crashes on Britain’s roads in 2021.
The chancellor and foreign secretary are threatening to take Roman Abramovich to court to seize the proceeds of his Chelsea FC sale.
The Russian oligarch, who is sanctioned by the UK government over his alleged links to Vladimir Putin, sold Chelsea for £2.5bn to an American consortium in 2022, after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Those funds remain in a frozen UK bank account but are meant to be used for humanitarian causes linked to the Ukraine war.
Abramovich has denied close ties to Vladimir Putin. File pic: Reuters
Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Foreign Secretary David Lammy have now said they are “deeply frustrated” an agreement cannot be reached with the oligarch and will take him to court if it cannot be dealt with soon.
In a joint statement, they said: “The government is determined to see the proceeds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club reach humanitarian causes in Ukraine, following Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion.
“We are deeply frustrated that it has not been possible to reach agreement on this with Mr Abramovich so far.
“While the door for negotiations will remain open, we are fully prepared to pursue this through the courts if required, to ensure people suffering in Ukraine can benefit from these proceeds as soon as possible.”
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Rachel Reeves said she was ‘deeply frustrated’ an agreement had not been reached by Roman Abramovich
Abramovich was forced to sell Chelsea – which he bought for a reported £140m – after 19 years of ownership, after being sanctioned by the government over his alleged close ties to the Russian president – something he denies.
The sale was made under the supervision of the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation, under the proviso the proceeds go to humanitarian aid in Ukraine.
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In March, the Foreign Office said officials were in talks with Abramovich’s representatives, but multiple sources told the BBC there had been no meetings between any Labour ministers and members of the foundation set up to oversee the funds since last July’s general election.
They said there was a deadlock and a political decision by a minister is needed to negotiate and sign off an agreement.
It is not known if there have been meetings in the three months since then.
The £2.5bn – and interest accrued – would make up for some of the reduction in the aid budget, announced in February.
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