(LD):...The noble Lord,
, asked many important
questions. In particular, can the Minister confirm how many cars
would normally have failed an MoT in a six-month period, allowing
an estimate to be made of how many cars being driven over the
spring and summer might have failed this test? What steps are the
Government taking to encourage motorists to follow advice from
sources such as the AAand the RAC about keeping
their cars safe and roadworthy? What efforts are they making to
advise motorists to check the condition and pressure of their car
tyres, their vehicle’s oil levels and coolants and the functioning
of their windscreen wipers and lights before they resume driving?
The role of the rescue services is important at this time,
especially in supporting key workers travelling to their
essential jobs. Perhaps it is time to thank organisations such as
the AA and the RAC which are offering to rescue
any NHS worker who needs their help without charge.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for
Transport () (Con):...Furthermore, the DVSA has issued
guidance to drivers on what to do to keep a car safe and
roadworthy. We are of course in regular contact with the
AA and the RAC. Those organisations are repeating and
reiterating these messages about getting cars on the road and
getting your car back on the road when it has not been driven for
a period.
Many noble Lords noted that these changes are quite
significant. We recognise that. They were made following
extensive consideration and consultation, required by the Road
Traffic Act 1988. We consulted a wide range of different
organisations, including the
AA and the RAC, the
Association of British Insurers, the Independent Garage
Association and the SMMT, which represents new car manufacturers,
mentioned by the noble Lord, . We consulted all these
organisations and 15 responses were received, which expressed
broad support for the proposals. As raised by noble Lords today,
concerns included the financial impact of the proposals on the
testing industry, as well as difficulties relating to the
reintroduction of testing. We recognise that there will be
challenges and we will have to overcome them...
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