Think tank calls to scrap ‘rip-off’ MOTs

Costs of vehicle tests are plaguing motorists, it says
Think tank calls to scrap ‘rip-off’ MOTs
MOTOR & FLEET
By Krizzel Canlas
25 Jul 2018

Prominent think tank The Adam Smith Institute is calling for compulsory MOTs to be scrapped.

In a report in numerous media outlets, the think tank claims MOTs are outdated and expensive – costing an average of £180 per year. In addition there are warnings that MOTs may be a prompt for disreputable behaviour among garages.

In reaction, Confused.com motoring editor Amanda Stretton said that MOT costs seem to be “plaguing” motorists.

“It seems MOT fines are the latest ‘cash cow’ plaguing motorists with drivers wasting £250 million a year on rip off MOT tests and unnecessary repairs,” she said.

“Our research shows that drivers feel they have been overcharged by £205 on a trip to the garage, with one in seven (13%) agreeing that they have been pressured into paying for repairs or parts they don’t need.”

Stretton also said “recent MOT test changes might make it easier for drivers to be ripped off.”

“If a vehicle falls under the new ‘dangerous’ category, it must not be driven until the issue is repaired, forcing drivers to pay at the garage where they failed their test,” she added. “Whether this will encourage some mechanics to fail drivers and cash-in remains to be seen.”

Do you agree with this verdict on the MOT system? Leave a comment below with your thoughts.

 

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