The number of MOT failures has risen sharply in the past 12 months according to the Retail Motor Industry.

The number of cars and small vans failing has risen from 8.4 million in 2006 to 10.4 million last year. According to the AA, 37% of cars failed the MOT test and the figure is believed to have been bigger if it had not been for the "cash for banger" scheme.

A recent poll by the AA discovered that one in five drivers are cutting back on servicing and maintenance to save money.