Andy Burnham is facing renewed calls to hike the price of MOT tests, with garage chiefs demanding a £40.15 increase to take bills to £95. The Independent Garages Association (IGA) has met with the Department for Transport and the DVSA to demand a review of MOT fees, which have been capped since 2010.
Garages are not allowed to charge more than £54.85 for the annual safety test. However, the IGA says this is no longer enough due to the rising cost of labour, rent and equipment.
Garages demand 73% rise
Garage campaigners want to see the maximum MOT level pushed up to £95, a 73% rise. The IGA said that some garages were now beginning to question how long they could continue to offer MOT test appointments at their current rates.
Stuart James, Chief Executive of the Independent Garage Association, explained: “The reality is that this issue can no longer be kicked down the road. Garages cannot continue absorbing rising costs indefinitely while the MOT fee remains frozen.
“We made that point very clearly during our discussions and will continue to press for action. The IGA is unrelenting in its pursuit of a fair and sustainable increase to the MOT fee, and we will not stop until meaningful progress is made.”
Industry survey launched
The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has opened a survey to gather the thoughts of the MOT industry. The survey will include recruitment, retention, operating costs and workforce challenges for organisations that offer MOT tests.
Nick Connor, CEO of the IMI, said: “There is a difficult balance to strike in MOT test pricing. Garages need to be able to cover rapidly rising costs and more complex tests, while drivers need the price to remain affordable.
“If prices are not accessible, it will bring about serious vehicle safety issues that increase risk on UK roads.”
Driver costs and government stance
The new price could be a blow to cash-strapped road users already dealing with the rising cost of ownership. Higher fuel prices, annual tax charges and fears of a new pay-per-mile charge in 2028 are just some of the issues facing drivers.
The Government has tried to calm the discussion by suggesting that MOT test fees will not change for the time being. The DfT previously said: “We have no current plans to increase the MOT fee, but keep it under constant review, working with the DVSA and the sector to balance affordability for motorists with the financial sustainability of garages.”
