A GOVERNMENT review of the MoT system could impact on fleets with drivers who have opted out of traditional company car schemes, experts say.

Proposals under discussion include moving MoT testing to once every two years and extending when new cars have to be tested from three years to four.

But while fleet experts welcome any changes that may reduce administration and costs, they believe some changes could result in unsafe cars on the road.

Duncan Bridge, LeasePlan UK’s marketing manager, said: ‘Increasing the period between MoTs for older cars could have duty of care implications.

‘The biggest impact will be on employees using their own cars. Given that these vehicles are usually older than the average company car, the less frequent MoTs may well enable faults to go longer without being detected. A lot can happen to a car in two years, and if a company is relying on the MoT to prove the roadworthiness of the vehicle, it may leave itself more open to liability.’

Andrea Pendlebury, service administration manager for leasing giant Lex, welcomed the news. She said: ‘The current administration is elaborate and costly.

‘To undertake MoTs after three years would exclude most leased vehicles. The move will reduce bookings and administration costs considerably.’