Proposed changes to MOT legislation could devalue commercial vehicles and threaten road safety, says CAP
REDUCING the frequency of MOT tests for light commercial vehicles could threaten road safety and seriously damage residual values.
The warning comes from John Watts, of commercial vehicle pricing experts CAP, following publication of proposals to switch the first MOT test for cars and vans to 4 years, followed by bi-annual tests.
John Watts argues that the typically more arduous operating cycles of vans means a reduction in MOT test frequency would be potentially dangerous, lead to more poor condition vans in the marketplace and ultimately damage buyer confidence.
“The typical first-life operation for a light commercial is between 3 and 4 years and the trade currently buys with confidence when a significant proportion of the MOT still remains at the time of purchase,” said John Watts.
“If a vehicle appears for sale at around 42mths old, having never yet gone through an official MOT, buyers will have no independent indication of its mechanical condition.
“They will therefore assume the worst and bid lower values accordingly.
“The same situation could then apply in alternate years whenever there has been no MOT carried out for more than a year.
“Many light commercial vehicles cover high mileages or work in arduous operating environments where daily wear and tear can be significant. The prospect of such vehicles in daily use for four years without an official independent safety inspection does nothing for road safety or prospective trade buyers’ confidence.
“Reducing the frequency of the MOT would also encourage some hard-pressed operators to reduce their maintenance spend, with the side effect of reducing workshop revenues.
“There are also road safety implications. Initial estimates suggest that these proposed changes could result in 30 additional road deaths a year, which flies in the face of the Government’s already publicly stated targets for reductions in transport related deaths and serious injuries.”
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For further information contact Mike Hind, Communications Manager, CAP on 0113 222 2044 / 07710 152030
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Find Mike Hind on Linked In http://uk.linkedin.com/in/mikehind
CAP used LCV pricing and technical information has been trusted by motor trade professionals for more than 30 years. The company provides trusted and accurate pricing and technical information on cars, vans, motorcycles and trucks to the UK automotive industry every day. As well as helping dealers, fleet operators, insurers, vehicle manufacturers and finance providers, CAP information also operates at the heart of many leading vehicle marketing websites and sales portals, helping fleets and dealers safely make the best informed decisions about their purchase choices.
CAP, Capitol House, Bond Court, Leeds LS1 5EZ
Telephone: 0113 222 2000 Facsimile: 0113 222 2001 www.cap.co.uk
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