MoT tests costs to rise

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

MoT price hike on the way
£50 MoT by October
Garages could set their own charges

The cost of an MoT is set to rise - and could rise further if fees are deregulated

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Garages could set their own charges for MoT tests under proposals being considered by the Government.

Garages can charge a maximum of £44.15 to conduct the annual test which ensures minimum standards of roadworthiness. This is set to rise by £6.20 in October, but the government is considering the idea of completely deregulating MoT fee levels.

This would mean that garages which carry out MoTs could set their own fee for the test and not be restricted to the maximum cap as they are now.

The Department for Transport says this would allow market forces to control the cost and claims any proposals would be subject to a consultation process.

Dave Richards, an MoT tester, told What Car?, 'The MoT test is incredibly good value - getting a machine as complex and dangerous as a car checked over usually takes two people at least an hour. Deregulation should reflect what a good service you're getting by costing nearer £100.

What do you think?
Is deregulation a good idea? Would market forces set a fair MoT price, or will this be another rising cost for the UK motorist to bear? Tell us what you think by clicking on one of the links below.

Fair price for good service

Rip off Britain strikes again