The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has called on the Government to urgently review the current MOT fee for class 4, 5 and 7 vehicles.
IT said the cost has remained static for 16 years despite “significant increases” in costs that independent garages have incurred during this time.
The IGA has again written to senior officials at the Department for Transport as well as the Treasury to make the case.
The current MOT fee cap for class 4 vehicles has remained unchanged, at £54.85 since 2010. It is well documented how much costs have increased as a result of inflation alone since 2010 when the fee was last reviewed.
Stuart James, CEO of the IGA said: “Our members are advising us that the current situation, relating to the stagnant MOT fee cap, is leading to garages setting up their facilities to prioritise more profitable work, reducing the number of bays available for MOT testing and therefore reducing the national capacity.
“We need to ensure that independent garages are able to prioritise the availability of workshop facilities and resources for this vital service. If the MOT does not remain economically viable for garages, this would have a significant impact on consumer choice with regards to accessibility, locality and convenience of available MOT test stations.”
