The Government is being warned that if it fails to increase the cap on how much garages can charge for an MOT, drivers will face delays securing a test in the future.
Unable to absorb rising costs, many firms are prioritising more commercially viable vehicle repair and servicing work over MOTs, according to the Independent Garage Association (IGA).
If that trend continues, the number of MOT appointments available to motorists could fall, reducing choice and making it more difficult for fleets to secure a test when they need one.
The current maximum fee for Class 4 MOTs – a category which includes most cars and vans – is £54.85.
To ensure MOT testing remains financially viable for independent garages, protect capacity within the national testing network and maintain consumer choice for motorists and fleets, the IGA wants the MOT fee cap to be increased to at least £95.
It is calling for an urgent meeting with the transport minister to resolve the issue after making its case to officials from the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) in September.
Stuart James, chief executive at the IGA, said: “We are grateful to officials at the DfT and DVSA for engaging with us. However, following our discussions, we believe the time has now come for this issue to receive the direct ministerial attention it deserves.
“The MOT fee has been frozen since 2010, while the cost of running a garage and carrying out an MOT has risen significantly. Our members are telling us that they are reaching the point where they can no longer absorb these rising costs and still make MOT testing commercially viable.
“We are therefore asking the transport minister to meet with us as a matter of urgency. We want to work constructively with Government to find a solution, but the current situation cannot simply be allowed to drift.”
“The MOT fee needs to increase to at least £95, and it needs to happen before further testing capacity is lost,” he added.
