cap hpi backs the RMI’s concerns that growing numbers of consumers are  

driving without an MoT

cap hpi applauds the latest initiative by the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI), to address road safety concerns as a result of the DVLA’s introduction of a monthly direct debit to pay road tax.  Whilst the move to help UK motorists spread motoring costs is greatly welcomed, research from cap hpi reveals that the new service is having a negative impact because people are failing to remember when their MoT test renewal is due, because this previously coincided with their road tax renewal.  

According to cap hpi, a staggering 70% of consumers it surveyed, said the changes have caused them ‘MoT renewal date confusion’.  These findings back fears raised by the RMI and Scottish Motor Trade Association (SMTA) that the number of motorists driving a car without a valid MoT test may well be rising.  In 2013 – before the tax disk changes – the RMI revealed that a third of motorists had driven a car without a valid MoT.  New research is being conducted by the RMI to fully understand the extent of the problem, with the intention to lobby Government if needed, to improve road safety.

Stuart James, RMI director said, “The annual MoT test is vital to road safety, and the Government hasn’t considered this implication when introducing the new road tax changes.”  Sandy Burgess, SMTA chief executive, added:  “Motorists must be reminded when their MoT is due so that they don’t pose a danger to themselves and others on the road.”

Philip Nothard, consumer and retail editor for cap hpi concludes, “Our research proves that without the tax disk as a reminder, it’s easy for motorists to let the MoT renewal date slip, posing a danger to themselves and other road users.  We wholly welcome the RMI campaign to raise awareness of the issue and the introduction of a reminder service to help car owners remember when to their next MoT test is due.”