Now is the time to end the MOT extension, says IGA

The Independent Garage Association (IGA) is urging the Government to remove the six-month MOT extension with immediate effect, following the Prime Minister’s announcement that further social distancing measures will be relaxed from 4 July.

Stuart James, IGA Chief Executive comments: “Now is the time to end the extension. People are being encouraged to use their cars to go shopping and go on days out to boost the economy, rather than use public transport. However, the MOT extension has been in place since March and we now have a situation where there are approximately 1.6 million unroadworthy cars in use on our roads.

“The IGA has supported the Government’s measures all the way through this pandemic and applauds the progress that has been made in controlling the spread of Covid-19. However, now that non-essential shops, leisure facilities and tourist destinations are reopening, it is not safe for cars to remain unchecked.

“Garages are not “close proximity” venues. They have been allowed to remain open throughout the whole pandemic and are following official safe working guidelines, so the MOT exemption should be removed as soon as feasibly possible.

“Ending the MOT extension is another positive step forward in the UK’s economic revival and will deploy people back into the workplace whilst underpinning road safety as traffic levels increase.”