The government has abandoned plans to change the MoT test regime after a new report concluded that the current system should be retained.

The government planned to change the system from the current annual test after three years and then every year thereafter (3-1-1) to a first test after four years and biennially thereafter (4-2-2).

However, the plans met with opposition with claims that the 4-2-2 system would result in more deaths and injuries as a result of more cars in a dangerous condition being on the road.

Now the Department for Transport’s MoT Scheme Evidence-Base report has concluded that the current test is beneficial and that the 3-1-1 frequency should be maintained.

A DfT spokesman confirmed that the decision has been taken because the new regime would have “significant road safety implications”.

Stephen Coles, head of MoT operations at the Retail Motor Industry Federation welcomed the news saying: “The government’s own recommendation that the frequency of the MoT test should not be reduced is very welcome news and a clear indication that the concerns of the MoT sector have been heeded.”

The Institute of Advanced Motorists also welcomed the decision, but pointed out that the UK has one of the highest MoT failure rates in Europe.

“The government may have made the right decision on safety grounds but it has yet to prove that consumers are getting value for money,” said Neil Greig, IAM director.

“That can only be done by consistent high quality implementation of the MoT scheme and transparent reporting of future trends so that we have the full picture”.