News -
Automatic MOT extension to end from 1 August - RAC reaction
Reacting to the news that vehicles will no longer automatically have their MOT due dates extended from 1 August 2020, RAC head of policy Nicholas Lyes said:
“Extending MOT tests was the right short-term measure after a number of garages closed when all of us were asked to stay at home. But with many more garages now open– including all of those that are part of our Approved Garages network – and with the easing of movement restrictions, it makes perfect sense that cars due their MOTs are put through the test on time. If the extension were to continue for very much longer there is a risk of many more unroadworthy vehicles being driven, especially as traffic volumes increase – which is clearly in nobody’s interests.
“RAC research suggests drivers are very wary about making use of the six-month extension and driving cars that have gone past their MOT due date. Just one-in-seven (14%) surveyed said they were intending to do so, with three times that proportion (44%) plan on getting their car checked as normal.
“Drivers shouldn’t be worried about getting routine work completed as all garages that are part of our network have taken steps to protect both customers and staff, with every one signing up to our COVID-19 code of conduct. In addition, around seven-in-10 offer a Collect-and-Return service, meaning in many cases drivers don’t even need to leave their own homes.”
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About the RAC
The RAC provides complete peace of mind to 12m UK private and business drivers, whatever their motoring needs. Its services include:
- Breakdown assistance. Its highly-skilled, 1,600-strong branded patrol workforce attends more than two million breakdowns every year, fixing on average four out of five vehicles at the roadside. The RAC’s patrol fleet is one of the most advanced in the UK, and was the first to roll out both an All-Wheels-Up recovery system, allowing the vast majority of vehicles to be recovered from a single patrol van, and EV Boost mobile electric vehicle charging units
- Insurance. The RAC is a top-five car insurance broker having surpassed the 500,000 policies-in-force milestone in 2018. It also offers ‘black box’ telematics policies, as well as home and travel insurance
- Other motoring services. The RAC leads in the development of new solutions for business, fleets, electric vehicles and future car technology. Its additional products and services include a personal loans offering, a used car buying website, vehicle inspections and checks, legal services or up-to-the-minute traffic and travel information. It also has a network of Approved Dealers and Approved Garages which combine the trust of RAC brand with local service and convenience
The RAC also works to support the interests of its members and UK drivers on the most important motoring issues which it identifies via the annual RAC Report on Motoring and the RAC Opinion Panel. The Report on Motoring is the longest running analysis of driver opinion in the UK having been published every year since 1989.
For more information about the RAC, visit the RAC website.
