One-in-five drivers (20%) under the age of 44 have driven illegally by not putting their car through the MOT or replacing tyres when needed to save money in the cost-of-living crisis, says the RAC. Among drivers of all ages, one-in-10 (10%) admit they’ve failed to replace worn-out tyres or skipped the MOT, which is a legal requirement that guarantees the UK’s 42m vehicles are fit to be on the … [Read more...]
Young drivers skipping safety costs, says the RAC
Inflation and the cost-of-living crisis are worryingly causing young drivers not to maintain their cars properly, risking their safety and that of other road users, says the RAC, and its particularly bad in Wales. A quarter of young drivers aged 17-24 (26%) say they have put off necessary repairs to their cars to save money while nearly three-in-10 (28%) are not servicing their vehicles as … [Read more...]
Government push back from new extended MoT deadline
The Independent Garage Association and Scottish Motor Trade Association conducted a meeting with the Department for Transport and Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency to discuss the current consultation on MOT frequency and enhancements. During the meeting, the DfT were asked why such a large and complex consultation covering 27 areas within the MOT test was published with only a six-week response … [Read more...]
Garages move to keep MoT test for safety reasons
The Independent Garage Association has written to Louise Haigh MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, seeking support to oppose any changes to the current MOT structure. Stuart James, IGA Chief Executive said, “Our current MOT testing system ensures that the UK roads are amongst the safest in the world. The Department for Transport cites taking away a financial burden from motorists, … [Read more...]
Newslines 30 January
A petition has been launched by automotive trade bodies to stop the Government’s plans to extend the period before a vehicle has its first MOT, in order to reduce preventable casualties and deaths caused by vehicle defects. The petition created by the Independent Garages Association states the proposal would be: Dangerous: Increased casualties and deaths caused by vehicle defects; Expensive: … [Read more...]
Newslines 25 January: On a charge in N Wales
The Electric Vehicle Association for Wales – EVA Cymru – has given the ‘green’ light to a new charging hub at Rhyl. West Kinmel car park’s electric vehicle (EV) charging hub is funded by the Welsh Government and the 36 vehicle capacity hub, is a mix of 7kwh chargers for local users who have no access to off street parking and ‘rapid’ 50kw chargers for a quick charge top up and also to help local … [Read more...]
Newslines 10 October
EV drivers who charge mostly from home will see a small rise in electricity costs from 28p to 34p per kWh as part of the Government’s October Energy Price Cap. The price cap will remain in place until 2024 so it’s a good news story for those who are able to charge at home, especially as domestic electricity prices were set to rise to 52p per kWh from October 2022 with further price increases … [Read more...]
Two year MoTs backed by majority
More than eight out of 10 (84%) used car buyers would back a controversial Government idea to switch to two years between MOT tests. The new monthly Startline Used Car Tracker shows that 69% of this group believe their car would remain safe despite the longer gap. Saving money appears to be less of a factor behind their thinking, mentioned by only 16% of those in favour. Of the 16% of people who … [Read more...]
Newslines 17 August
Powys is one of the more dangerous places for new drivers, warn Zutobi. Road accident statistics show there are about 351.1 accidents per 100,000 people, the second highest in the UK but about half the total for Westminster, London which is Britain’s worst accident area. A £30m scheme on the A55 to improve safety, further protect against flooding and provide a new active travel route is … [Read more...]
Radical shake up of MoTs suggested
The MoT test may need a radical shakeup to reflect the arrival of electric power and very sophisticated technology fitted to the latest vehicles. That’s the view of KwikFit, which test about a million vehicles annually and head of their service Eric Smith. He points out that currently hybrid models and battery electric vehicles are not tested for emissions and these and other cars have features … [Read more...]
