Reading: Tyres industry group gets more backing for calls to keep MOT annual

RoadSafe is the latest organisation to back a major tyres groups calls on the government not to reduce the frequency of the MOT in the UK.

The Tyre Industry Federation says 12% of tyres are illegal on replacement and this number is increasing as the economic downturn continue.

In the UK, vehicles must have their first test within three years of registration, and annual tests thereafter. As a minimum, EU law requires vehicles to have their first test when they are four years old and subsequent tests every two years.

Most European countries follow the EU minimum requirement and there is pressure on the UK to do the same. RoadSafe is warning that this will lead to more crashes, caused by poorly maintained vehicles.

Testers in the UK identify 8.5 million cars with defects every year. In its own review of the MOT in 2008, the Department of Transport said reducing the test’s frequency would significantly increase the number of unroadworthy cars and casualties.

Now RoadSafe has added its voice to the TIF campaign.

Adrian Walsh, director of RoadSafe, said: “Many owners just don’t realise that tyres are a vital part of the braking system. They are one of several essential safety features that drivers seldom check.

“An annual MOT is vital for picking up these problems. RoadSafe joins the Tyre Industry Federation, and other campaigners, with a warning to government, that extending the period between MOT tests will put lives at risk.”

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 31st, 2010 at 10:57 am and is filed under Blogs. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.