MOT failure rates in the UK increased in 2009/10 to a record level of 37% for cars and light vans, an increase of 12% over the previous four years.

According to the DfT, the most common reason for vehicles failing the MOT test was lighting and signalling systems.

In 2009/10, 21% of all car tests failed for this reason, while other common defects included brakes, suspension and tyres.

Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) research commissioned by the DfT concluded that reducing the frequency of testing for newer vehicles is likely to have adverse road safety consequences.

Stuart James, RMI director, said: “More and more evidence shows that record levels of cars and vans are failing their MOTs.

“Maintenance standards are slipping due to the lack of money car users currently have at their disposal. This will have a knock on effect on the safety of road users.”

A Fleet News poll revealed a slim majority (58%) of respondents did not support a reduction in the frequency of the MOT test (Fleet News, December 6, 2010).

However, those in favour of increasing the first MOT test from three to four years said that such a change should be introduced only if a vehicle’s annual mileage was being taken into account.

One respondent said: “I believe vehicles will be unsafe if doing more than 100,000 miles in three years without having an MOT.

“Vehicles are more reliable these days across the board, but there is a reason why manufacturers have a maximum 100,000-mile warranty.”

Meanwhile, two-thirds of drivers in an AA/Populus poll of 18,700 AA members said a change to 4-2-2 would increase the number of unsafe vehicles on UK roads.

A huge 94% of respondents considered the MOT test to be very or quite important to road safety in the UK. Consequently, 62% think there would be more hazardous vehicles on the road if they were MOT tested every other year.

The AA’s regular tracking of the impact of high fuel prices on drivers also shows that 10% are cutting back on maintenance and servicing, making an annual MOT test all the more necessary.

“The Government should abandon plans for this consultation as TRL research shows that more crashes will result from less frequent MOTs,” said Edmund King, AA president.