Motorists reminded to check up on their car tax and MOT

Drivers in East Kilbride and surrounding areas are being urged to check when their vehicle MOT is due now that lockdown restrictions are easing.

The government has confirmed that it will reintroduce mandatory MOT testing from August 1, in line with gradually easing lockdown restrictions and rising traffic levels

Due to the coronavirus outbreak, drivers were granted a six-month exemption from MOT testing in March to help slow the spread of the virus.

The scheme was set to run until March 2021 but will now end next month.

However, as restrictions are eased when safe to do so, all drivers whose car, motorcycle or van is due for an MOT test from August 1, will be required to get a test certificate to continue driving their vehicle.

The extension still applies to all MOT certificates due to expire before 1 August, but from that date onwards, drivers must have their car’s roadworthiness tested within a year of their last test.

Irrespective of whether the extension applies, penalties still apply to vehicles found to be in an unsafe condition.

Figures from the Department for Transport (DfT) show that the UK’s service sector has ramped up as restrictions on travel have eased, with more than 90 per cent of UK garages now operating and testing capacity now at 70 per cent of normal levels.

Baroness Vere, roads minister, said:“As people return to our roads, it is vital that motorists are able to keep their vehicles safe. That’s why as restrictions are eased, from August 1, MOT testing will again become mandatory.

“Garages across the country are open and I urge drivers who are due for their MOT to book a test as soon they can.”

Any vulnerable or self-isolation drivers are advised to contact their local garage, as many are offering vehicle collection and drop-off services to aid social distancing.