GARAGES SPLIT OVER INCREASING MOT TEST FEE

Government review into raising the MOT price cap has sparked debate

- JOHN EVANS

Garages are arguing that the price of an MOT test should be heavily increased as the government begins a review into the £54.85 fee cap established 15 years ago.

However, there are also concerns among some garages that increasing the fee too much will put off drivers and start a price war that will be fiercer than the one seen today. That's because some centres are willing to take a heavy loss on each test as it is one of the few ways of attracting new customers.

The review was sparked by a petition from the Independent Garages Association (IGA), which argued that an increase was needed to reflect rising business costs.

“This review represents a crucial opportunity to secure a fairer, more sustainable framework for MOT testing that reflects the real costs faced by garages,” said IGA CEO Stuart James.