Skip to main content

UK government backtracking on biennial vehicle tests plan

The current UK government, which pledged to cut bureaucracy, had set its sights on the annual MOT vehicle inspections. “Cars are more reliable and the annual test has not changed in 50 years,” transport secretary Philip Hammond announced. The plan was for vehicle testing every two years instead of annually.
April 18, 2012 Read time: 1 min
RSSThe current UK government, which pledged to cut bureaucracy, had set its sights on the annual MOT vehicle inspections. “Cars are more reliable and the annual test has not changed in 50 years,” transport secretary Philip Hammond announced. The plan was for vehicle testing every two years instead of annually.

Not surprisingly, the motor industry and motoring organisations disagreed. They say that MOT centres are the backbone of road safety, finding 2,500 cars, every single day, that are dangerous to drive.

Now the UK government appears to be backtracking. Hammond has handed the proposed plan down to Mike Penning MP, parliamentary under secretary. “The policy is at its preliminary stages. No costs have been drawn up. No formal consultation has started,” states Anna McCreadie, spokesperson for the Department for Transport.

Related Content

  • January 30, 2012
    Bus service data, better journey planning, better information
    Chris Gibbard and Paul Drummond of Transport Direct on developments in Great Britain in the electronic transfer of bus service data. Great Britain has a dynamic bus market which permits a bus operator to initiate or alter commercial routes by giving a minimum of eight weeks' notice to a registrar (the Traffic Commissioner). A Local Transport Authority (LTA) neither specifies nor determines such services. In addition to commercial bus routes, an LTA will tender and contract for the operation of those additio
  • July 13, 2012
    Lenient sentences for dangerous drivers in the UK criticised
    The average sentence for causing death by dangerous driving in the UK is just four years – 62 per cent shorter than for manslaughter, according to road safety charity the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists). While the average sentence length of manslaughter is 6.6 years, those sentenced to prison for causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving are given an average sentence of 1.3 years. Causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs has an average sentence of 4.3 years
  • April 23, 2012
    Partnership to fight distracted driving
    US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has announced that the US DOT and Better Business Bureau will collaborate to educate consumers and businesses about the dangers of distracted driving. “Distracted driving has become a deadly epidemic on America’s roads,” Secretary LaHood said. “We know that educating people about the risk of distracted driving works, and we are pleased to be working with BBB to raise awareness and help businesses and consumers fight this problem.”
  • July 30, 2014
    UK Government fast tracks driverless cars
    UK business secretary Vince Cable has announced two new measures today that give the green light for driverless cars to take to UK roads from January 2015. UK cities can now bid for a share of a US$16.9 million competition to host a driverless cars trial. The government is calling on cities to join together with businesses and research organisations to put forward proposals to become a test location. Up to three cities will be selected to host the trials from 2015 and each project is expected to last