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MoT failures soar as motorists cut back on repairs
The number of MoT failures has soared as cash-strapped motorists cut back on servicing and maintenance, figures showed.
By David Millward, Transport Editor
Published: 5:34PM BST 13 Jul 2010

Soaring petrol prices and the recession has seen the number of cars and small vans failing the test rise form 8.4 million in 2006 to 10.5 million last year, according to the Retail Motor Industry.
This is equivalent to just over 37 per cent of the total subject to testing and, according to the AA, the figure would have been higher but for the previous “cash for bangers” scheme which saw around 300,000 old cars taken off the road.

An AA spokesman said a poll of more than 17,000 members earlier this year showed that one driver in five was cutting back on servicing.
“That is a huge amount. The cost of fuel is taking a huge amount out of motorists pockets and they are looking to save money where they can.
“These failures could be the tip of the iceberg hiding a motoring underclass who are driving cars with crumbling tyres and brakes which won’t stop a car in time.”
“It is clear the recession has been having an impact,” said John Ball, the Retail Motor Industry’s MoT chairman.
“People are running to a strict budget and getting pressures everywhere with the price of fuel rising as it has, you are having to absorb that extra cost
“It adds to the cost of running the car, you think where can you make economies, so drivers may ignore rattles when they shouldn’t
“People are not repairing their cars, they are skimping on servicing and trying to avoid getting an MoT test until they have to.
“If the MoT runs out in October and the car tax is not due until December, people were taking a chance and waiting to bring the car for an MoT.
“Key fail items were tyres, lights, brakes and suspension – which require attention irrespective of the reliability of the vehicle or an extended warranty,” said
“An MoT acts as a default and means you have to take a car to the garage, which means somebody has to look at it.”
Mike Penning, the road safety minister, appealed to drivers to look after their cars properly.
“Britain has some of the safest roads in the world but if we are to continue to improve this record then it is vital that drivers make sure their vehicles are properly maintained. I would urge all drivers to make sure that their vehicles are fit to be on the road.”