The MOT consultation, which had been due to close on 28 February, has been extended until 22 March by the DfT, a move that a host of automotive bodies had been campaigning for as it was felt that the original time allotted was too short.

Commenting on the move, IGA Chief Executive Stuart James said: “After seeing the incredible support for our campaign, and meeting with the DfT and DVSA in conjunction with the Scottish Motor Trade Association (SMTA), I am delighted that our collective concerns have been listened to.

“The initial six-week consultation period was far too short to thoroughly consider the impact that the many complex topics covered within could have on road safety. Allowing a further four weeks to the consultation period will enable stakeholders time to appropriately consider and respond to the extensive detail contained within the consultation documents.
While this is good news, we will not relax our efforts to ensure that public are protected from the proposed move to a 4-1-1 MOT frequency, and will continue to work with the DfT throughout the consultation period and beyond.”

He added: “I encourage everyone to respond to the MOT consultation with their views, and sign the automotive trade bodies’ petition to stop the 4-1-1 MOT.”

To sign the automotive trade body petition to stop the 4-1-1 MOT, visit: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/631650

To access ‘Changes to the date of the first MOT test and research into other MOT enhancements’ consultation documents, go to: www.gov.uk/government/consultations/changes-to-the-date-of-the-first-mot-test-and-research-into-other-mot-enhancements