RMI disappointed by MOT exemption

Following Mike Penning Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport’s announcement that an amendment will be made to regulation 6 of The Motor Vehicles (Tests) Regulations 1981 to enable the MOT exemption for vintage vehicle, the RMI has voiced its displeasure.

“The Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI), representing the interests of motor industry operators throughout the UK, is extremely disappointed at the Department for Transport’s (DfT) decision to exempt pre-1960 vehicles from the statutory MOT,” Stuart James, RMI Director explained in a clear complaint against the governments recent decision.

James continued: “The MOT test in its entirety is fundamental to maintaining safety and environmental standards on our roads. The reduction in MOT testing, regardless of age, will inevitably have a negative impact on these standards.

“It is argued that vehicles manufactured before 1960 are maintained to a very high standard due to them being usually kept for historic interest rather than a regular mode of transport. Regardless of the standard of maintenance, these older vehicles are fitted with older parts that will incur faults from time to time. Without the MOT these faults are likely to go unnoticed or even be ignored. Therefore it is imperative that these vehicles are looked at by a trained professional during an enforced annual MOT. I have no doubt that this decision will have a detrimental effect on the safety of the user and other road users.”

In conclusion James added: “We will be in contact with the DfT to express our concern over this decision.” The changes are set to come into force by 18 November 2012.