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Motorists set to benefit from MOT changes

Published: 01/02/2012

Transport secretary Justine Greening has pledged to ensure motorists enjoy improved customer service from garages across the UK.

The promise comes in the wake of the Department for Transport's evaluation of existing MOT test standards in UK.

Under the measures outlined today, the government is set to focus on better transparency and value-for-money in garage service work.

The evaluation came after data from the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) revealed that 27.7 per cent of car(s) tested in 2010-2011 had one or more defects, which were missed by MOT test centres.

Figures also showed that 12.4 per cent of cars were incorrectly assessed as roadworthy by garage in the UK.

Following the evaluation, the government will now look to work with industry, motoring and consumer groups to focus on reliability and promoting high working standards in garages.

As part of the consultation, the government has opted to maintain the current MOT test frequency currently in place.

The DfT will also work with motoring organisations to learn more about the problems car owners face from garage, with a particular emphasis on finding ways for customers to provide feedback on their experiences for other motorists to see.

As part of the plans, the government is also looking to introduce industry codes of practice and expand them across MOT garages.

This will allow customers to find garages which are signed up to the standards and also ensure service providers improve the quality of work they offer motorists.

In addition to this, the government will look to provide motorists with help in spotting 'clocked' second hand vehicles by making MOT certitificates feature three years of mileage information which is passed on to a national database.

As part of the plans, the DfT is also set to undertake mystery shopper assignments to ensure garages are providing a fit and proper service.

Commenting on the changes, Ms Greening said: “Our garages are crucial to ensuring that Britain’s roads continue to be among the safest in the world. Most are doing good work but the latest data shows that there is room for improvement.

"I want each motorist to be confident that a visit to the garage ends with their car repaired to a high standard by reputable mechanics rather than uncertainty about cost and the quality of service."