Government U-turn on frequency of MOT

The government has confirmed it is not going to go ahead with proposed changes to the UK MOT system, which would have seen cars tested every two years, rather than one.

AM-Online reports that transport secretary Justine Greening announced the U-turn in a written ministerial statement.

The scheme, which would have also required new vehicles to have their first test after four years - not three - was put forward to bring standards more in line with those in Europe.

The Telegraph notes that under the proposal, the most significant improvements would be seen in the purchase of new cars. It says that over its first 10 years, a brand new car would only be tested four times, for example - rather than eight.

However, not going ahead with the changes means that second-hand car buyers can now be reassured that their car is up to standards, as it will retain its yearly check-up. This is something which the transport minister has clearly been swayed toward.

Ms Greening's statement read: "Having listened closely to the very many views put forward and considered the available evidence, I have decided that I am not going to carry out further work in relation to relaxing the first test date or the frequency of testing."

However, the Department for Transport (DfT) hasn't ruled out other areas of vehicle testing.

The DfT wishes to make the history about MOT centres more transparent, releasing performance data as compiled by VOSA, the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency. It may also ask customers for examples of good customer service and publish these on the internet.

Robert Currie, Glasgow, Vauxhall Corsa VXR

Nicola Walsh, Manchester, Renault Clio