The IGA has written to the Department for Transport (DfT) to urge an extension to the MOT consultation launched this week.

The consultation opened on Wednesday (18 January) , and iruns until Tuesday 28 February. However, according to IGA Chief Executive Stuart James, the implications of proposed changes like a move to a 4-1-1 frequency mean more time is needed for proper and measured responses to be put together: “The content of this consultation contains highly complex and important subjects, relating not just to the frequency of the MOT but updates to multiple areas of the MOT system, which will have far reaching consequences for consumers and the automotive sector alike. Previous consultations reviewing changes to the frequency of the MOT test had a consultation period of approximately 12 weeks, however the DfT’s new consultation is running for only six weeks.

“With 69 questions to respond to, this time period is insufficient to understand, discuss, collate views, obtain evidence and draft a fully detailed, accurate and considered response which ensures that the right decisions are made. In particular, a six-week timeframe is not long enough to provide the DfT with comprehensive evidence relating to road safety.”

Stuart added: “Given the potential safety impacts of the proposed changes, the response period should be extended to no less that 12 weeks from the launch date of the consultation, to enable all stakeholders to review the proposals and respond appropriately to the questions asked.”