Motorists are set for improvements in customer service from garages under a package of transparency and value-for-money measures unveiled today by Transport Secretary Justine Greening.
mot testing for cars
An evaluation of existing MOT test standards and frequency took account of the views and evidence offered by a wide range of organisations.
In particular, it considered data from Department for Transport executive agency VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) showing that more than a quarter (27.7 per cent) of vehicles tested in 2010-2011 had one or more car defects that were either missed by MOT test centres or incorrectly assessed.
The VOSA data also showed that the roadworthiness of one-in-eight cars (12.4 per cent) was being incorrectly assessed by MOT test centres.
As a result, the government will work with industry, motoring organisations and consumer groups to focus on the reliability and standards of garages. The government has decided to:
Justine Greening said:
“Our garages are crucial to ensuring that Britain’s roads continue to be among the safest in the world. Most are doing good work but the latest data shows that there is room for improvement.
“I want each motorist to be confident that a visit to the garage ends with their car repaired to a high standard by reputable mechanics rather than uncertainty about cost and the quality of service.
“Giving drivers the very best information about garage performance is absolutely key to achieving this goal. It means that responsible garages will be well placed to reap the commercial benefits of transparency. Garages where performance is not up to scratch will find themselves under pressure to do more for their customers.”
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