A leading garage trade body is calling on the government to review the current MOT fee for class 4, 5 and 7 vehicles, which has remained the same for 16 years.
The Independent Garage Association (IGA), representing independent garages in the UK, made the call after an increase in MOT fees for heavier vehicles was announced, amid concerns that the current MOT cap for cars and vans (class 4) was forcing garages to reduce their capacity for conducting MOTs.
The class 4 cap – standard cars and small vans up to 3,000kg – has stood at £54.85 since 2010. During that time, according to the IGA, independent garages have incurred cost pressures over and above inflation, including increased labour, rent, equipment, fuel, energy, compliance and administrative costs.
IGA members continue to raise their concerns that the current fee is making MOT testing work unsustainable given both the additional cost pressures and the growing complexities involved in testing modern vehicles.
Stuart James, CEO at the IGA, said: “Our members are advising us that the current situation, relating to the stagnant MOT fee cap, is leading to garages setting up their facilities to prioritise more profitable work, reducing the number of bays available for MOT testing and therefore reducing the national capacity.
“We need to ensure that independent garages are able to prioritise the availability of workshop facilities and resources for this vital service.
“If the MOT does not remain economically viable for garages, this would have a significant impact on consumer choice with regards to accessibility, locality and convenience of available MOT test stations.”
The maximum charge that Authorised Testing Facilities (ATFs) can make for MOT tests from Monday July 6 is £90 for buses and coaches (up from £70), £70 for an HGV (up from £55), and £50 for a trailer (up from £40).
