WITH mandatory MOT testing returning next month, local garages are urging vehicle owners to think ahead and book their MOTs sooner rather than later.
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the government granted drivers a 6-month exemption from MOT testing in March, to help slow the spread of the virus.
However, from next month, all drivers whose car, motorcycle or van is due for an MOT test from 1st August will be required to get a test certificate to continue driving their vehicle.
Drivers with an MOT due date before 1st August will still receive a 6-month exemption from testing – but local garages say that if possible, drivers should avoid using the exemption and book their MOT as soon as possible to ensure that their vehicle is safe and roadworthy.
Ben Johnson from MOT Centre, Bowerhill, told Melksham News, “We advise that if you need to use the MOT exemption, for example if you are still shielding, use it; but if your MOT is overdue, or you can stick to the original date, please do, for your safety and the safety of other people on the road.
“We have seen already some cars with cords poking out of their tyres – a few more days/weeks and these tyres could have popped on the road.
“By using the exemption unnecessarily, you run the risk of something going wrong with your car, so if you can stick to the original date of your MOT, do. The exemption is there if you need it, but you don’t have to use it if you don’t have to.
“If you are using the exemption and are planning to have your MOT in October/November, then expect it to be very busy. So avoid the rush and book now.”
Steve from Melksham Carcare Centre added, “I’m glad that the DVSA has re-introduced mandatory MOT checks. I thought that the six month exemption was silly. We were classed as key workers and could work throughout the lockdown – so MOTs were still possible.
“And now, because of the decision by the DVSA, there are vehicles on the road that could go up to 18 months without a road worthy check. We’ve already seen some vehicles that have gone 15/16 months without their MOT in bad condition – it is extremely dangerous.
“I really did not understand the decision – they even extended this to lorries – and now they estimate that there are around 5,000 lorries on the road without a current MOT, which is dangerous.
“The law still allows a six month exemption for vehicles that have an MOT due at the end of this month – so someone could still leave that until mid-January. And not many people know themselves how to keep a vehicle roadworthy.
“My advice is that if your MOT is due in the first week of August, book now to avoid disappointment, because I expect it to be very busy.”
Michael at Classic Motors said, “When the MOT exemption was announced it became down to the owner to keep the vehicle safe and in a roadworthy condition – but the only way to really do that is with an MOT, which I thought was a contradiction.
“Don’t wait until October to have your MOT – we expect October to be very busy and garages inundated – so there will be trouble booking and if your MOT is already overdue, this could cause more trouble.
“Stick with the original date of your MOT if you can. It’s better to drive with the knowledge that your car is safe and roadworthy – especially if you are using your car regularly as part of your normal routine.”
With an expected rise in the number of visitors to local garages, business owners have introduced a number of measures to ensure that staff and customers are safe, and the risk of the spread of the virus is reduced.
Ben at the MOT Centre said, “Customers that have visited us have been very happy with the Covid-secure procedures that we have put in place. And we have also produced a video that is on our Facebook page, explaining what a visit to our centre is now like.
We have introduced a number of things including wiping down cars thoroughly before and after appointments, offering hand wipes, hand gels, and rearranging our reception area.
“I’m really proud with how we have reacted to this situation. We are 35 years old this year and the business has seen a lot – from recessions, to trade going up and down – but we always keep our heads down and get through it – this is another challenge, and we will get through it.”
Steve from Melksham Carcare Centre said, “We will be open 8am to 5.30pm every day, and will be able to carry out 12 to 14 MOT checks a day – by appointment only, and customers can wait whilst it is carried out.
“Customers can be assured that we will be Covid-secure. There will be seat covers and mats in use, and staff will wear PPE so they won’t be directly touching contact points. We will also be offering free local collection, with vehicles returned on the same day.”
Michael at Classic Motors added, “We have lots of procedures in place to be Covid-secure – we sterilise vehicles before and after the MOT. And if needed, we will collect cars for customers who are not able to come to the garage, like the elderly.”
