We all look forward to the day that we can say that we are the proud owners of a new vehicle, whether it is second-hand or brand new, out of the box. However, novice drivers may not realise that after three years, their vehicle must undergo an MOT. Now, test bays will be featuring a new gatekeeper called photo evidence, which will hopefully have us say goodbye to ‘ghost’ MOTs. Will it be a welcome new measure, or make the experience more nerve-wracking?
The reason why MOT is taking new measures
If you are a vehicle owner in the UK, then you know that the annual MOT test can be a nerve-wracking experience. The results of the test in unpredictable, and the idea of unexpected repair costs alone is enough to make anyone nervous. Yet, these annual safety checks for vehicles are necessary to ensure minimum road safety and environmental standards.
However, a rather persistent and growing problem with MOT tests is fraud. In more cases than expected, vehicles are issued a pass certificate without being tested or seen at a testing center, and this is called ‘ghost’ MOTs. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) views ghost MOTs as a significant offence, as they disrupt road safety, according to a blog by GOV.UK.
Thankfully, we could be saying goodbye to ghost MOTs, as there will be a new gatekeeper in test bays.
The new gatekeeper at vehicle test bays
Changes are being made to the well-known MOT test, as according to DVSA officials:
“The MOT test sits at the heart of DVSA’s mission to keep Britain’s roads safer for everyone.”
Testing bays will now be required to make use of photo evidence during MOT tests. This new requirement will be part of the DVSA’s measures to ensure that all vehicles are truly and thoroughly examined and certified roadworthy. Not only will it increase road safety, but it will also contribute to addressing the increasing MOT fraud cases.
The world is extremely focused on keeping its carbon footprint intact, which is why F1’s future will be rewritten with a hydrogen line-up, and which is also why enhanced emissions testing will be implemented at testing bays. According to a report by Birmingham Live, it will ensure that polluting or undermaintained vehicles are identified, and that MOT evolves with environmental targets.
Rule-breakers will have to face these new penalties
According to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, the first trial of the photo evidence requirement had proven to be successful, which means the trial will be expanded to more garages’ testing bays as soon as the outstanding results have been collected. Now, anyone considering breaking these new measures will have to face new penalties.
These new MOT measures are to improve the testing of vehicles and ensure that the tests are better suited to modern vehicles and safety measures, and must not be taken lightly. Intentional rule-breakers will have to face £2,000 penalties and may even face “immediate” suspension if caught.
“This vital safety check makes sure that over 32 million vehicles tested every year meet the roadworthiness standards that protect drivers, passengers and pedestrians across the country, helping us see only two per cent of road incidents being caused by mechanical failings.” – DVSA officials
