Independent garages are urging the government to increase the maximum price of an MOT test from £54.85 to £95, warning that the existing cap is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain.
The current maximum fee was set by the Department for Transport (DfT) in 2010 and has remained unchanged for 16 years. The Independent Garage Association (IGA), which represents more than 4,500 businesses, says the figure no longer reflects the cost of delivering the mandatory safety test.
The proposed £95 limit would represent a 73.2% increase. The IGA says that simply adjusting the 2010 fee for inflation would put it at more than £87 today, before taking account of other pressures facing the sector.
Garages are dealing with higher wages, rents, energy and fuel bills, alongside increased spending on equipment, training, administration and regulatory compliance. The IGA says some members are already cutting back on MOT capacity because of the financial pressure.
That could eventually affect motorists, particularly if fewer garages are willing or able to offer tests. The organisation warns that reduced capacity could mean longer waiting times and less choice for drivers seeking an MOT.
Around 66,000 authorised testers currently operate across approximately 23,000 garages in the UK. Government figures indicate that about 33 million cars underwent an MOT last year, although the actual income generated by the tests cannot be calculated simply from the maximum fee because many garages offer discounts.
The dispute is due to move into formal discussions, with the IGA and other industry representatives scheduled to meet the DfT on 21 October.
The issue is also being linked to future changes in vehicle inspections. Institute of the Motor Industry chief executive Nick Connor said additional requirements, including planned EV mileage checks associated with the eVED system from 2028, could add further demands on testing centres.
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