MoT extensions to end on 1 august
Cars with test expiring before then can continue to be used
Classic garage owners have welcomed the government’s announcement to stop MoT test extensions from August, but are braced for more failures.
But owners with an MoT date due before 1 August will still receive a sixmonth extension – and garages are still feeling the effects.
Susan Turner, who owns Cross Street garage in Lighthorne, Warwickshire, has seen business drop considerably since March. She said: ‘It’s very gradually picking up, we used to do 12 tests a day but now only do two and a half days.
‘vehicles are still meant to be roadworthy and a few regulars are voluntarily coming in. Some have waited the six months but others are having tests anyway.’
Ian Ferguson, owner of Blacks Garage in Rainford, Merseyside, shares the same concerns. He said: ‘ The extension took a good proportion of business away. Cars are not getting used and owners will be surprised when there are more faults but tests aren’t being done differently.
‘Getting rid of the extension is a good thing, for business and safety.’
owner of ottringham Garage in Hull, Adam Sedgwick, said: ‘It was ridiculous in the first place. Some of the horror stories you see just from 12 months – imagine with another six added on.’
Nick Rawlinson, from the Barnack MoT Centre in Cambridgeshire, said that he was considering raising his test rates – currently at £40 – due to the expected increase in workload. He said: ‘I expect a lot of cars [on extended MoTs] will fail and a lot more admin work will be needed.’ Tom Mccooey
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