Andy Burnham has been warned that MOT price rises would be "unwelcome" with uncertainty around how much drivers would be willing to pay. The Prime Minister is coming under mounting pressure to raise the maximum MOT test fee, with demands that costs rise from £54.85 to £95, a £40.15 increase.
Garages battle rising overheads
The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has warned that garages have been battling rising overheads while prices have remained the same. IGA chiefs have been pushing for a meeting with transport bosses, while KwikFit has also suggested they would "welcome" a consultation over possible changes.
But despite suggesting that an increase in fees would help MOT testing stations justify the required investment in new technology, KwikFit warned that price hikes were likely to be unpopular among cash-strapped road users. Motorists are already struggling with rising fuel bills so MOT increases will pile more pain on already stretched budgets.
KwikFit's warning to drivers
Speaking exclusively to The Express, Dan Joyce, operations director at KwikFit said: "It is worth noting that not all MOT centres currently charge the maximum fee, so it is debatable how much of an increase drivers would actually pay. We fully understand that any increase in cost would be unwelcome to vehicle owners.
"However, the reality is that the MOT fee is a small part of a driver's annual motoring budget and ensuring an MOT is carried out to the highest standard is in the interest of all road users."
Classic car owners are exempt from MOTs, but many owners still get their cars checked for peace of mind.
IGA calls for £95 threshold
The IGA has said they have already met with representatives of the DfT and the DVSA and stressed they want to work with the Government to find a solution.
Stuart James, chief executive of the IGA, stressed that raising the MOT threshold to at least £95 would help ensure MOT testing remains financially viable for independent garages.
He added: "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."
