Number of cars without MOTs on UK roads is set to hit all-time high as cost-of-living crisis bites

The number of cars without MOT on UK roads will reach a record high, according to new research.

all motorists say they can’t afford to pay an MOT, while experts say it could lead to an additional 400,000 unsafe vehicles on our roads.

One in six drivers (17%) who have an MOT this month say they already know they can’t afford it, and 71% of them say they will break the law and still drive.

They risk fines of up to £2,500 and three points on their licence.

Research conducted by Halfords shows that 18 to 24 year olds are most likely to be unable to pay their MOT (22%), while they are also most likely to drive their vehicle (84%).

DVSA data shows that the current APK failure rate is 28.5%.

March is usually the busiest month for MOTs, with at least 115,000 potentially dangerous vehicles on our roads that would not normally have passed the test.

The new research shows how the cost-of-living crisis is forcing many motorists to spend money elsewhere.

Of those who can’t afford their next MOT, 66% say they simply don’t have enough money and need to spend the money elsewhere.

Meanwhile, a quarter of those planning to avoid their MOT altogether (23%) said they were more likely to get away without one.

Nearly half of those who intend to continue driving (47%) say this is to get to work – which is not enough to pay for the test.

34% of those surveyed say they need their car to do their job, and 26% say they will take their children to school in a vehicle without MOT.

Halfords CEO Graham Stapleton said: “The data shows March will be the worst month we have ever seen when it comes to cars on our roads without MOT, according to Solent News & Bureau.

‘MOTs are vital, annual safety checks that take place on vehicles that are three years old or more, it’s not about ticking boxes, MOTs check things like if there’s enough tread on the tyres, or if the brakes are working properly.

‘The fact that so many would be able to take their children to school without an MOT worries us greatly.’

There could be 400,000 extra cars on British roads this month without MOT

Antony Kildare, CEO of IAM RoadSmart, the UK’s largest road safety charity, said: ‘Households across the country are being forced to cut back on day-to-day expenses to balance the books.

“But with the latest figures showing 27,450 people killed or seriously injured on Britain’s roads, it is deeply concerning to hear that such a large proportion of motorists are choosing not to get their annual MOT. ‘

The misconception about a ‘grace period’ of 14 days after an MOT is believed by many, the research shows.

One in three (31%) believe this to be the case, rising to 45% among 18 to 24 year olds, even though it is illegal to drive without a MOT unless you can prove you are driving to a test center .

A valid MOT is required to renew the car tax and insurance, but some motorists say they will still try a way around this.

More than half (57%) of those planning to continue driving say they will insure and tax their vehicle before the current MOT expires.

Current regulations allow drivers to renew their car tax two months before it expires and re-insure it up to a month before, giving a clear window to those who want to avoid their MOT.

Many seem to prioritize their insurance and taxes over MOTs because they are less likely to get caught.

Only 16% of those who plan not to bother with an MOT say they will also avoid car tax and insurance.

Of drivers who would skip a tax or insurance check, 50% say it’s because they’re less likely to get caught, and 36% think the consequences of skipping an MOT are less serious than skipping tax or insurance. insurance.