VI issues warning on MoT prices
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• Van drivers are being urged to shop around for MoTs after the Office of Fair Trading broke up a price-fixing cartel in Cleveland. But the Vehicle Inspectorate and garage representatives have warned drivers that some cut-price MoT testers may be skimping on safety checks. The law allows testing stations to charge what they like for MoTs, up to a statutory maximum of £32.77 for Class VI vans. The OFT found that at least 69 garages in Cleveland had agreed to fix MoT fees so that it was "difficult, if not impossible" For drivers to arrange a test below the statutory maximum.
No prosecutions are planned, but the OFT's director-general, John Bridgeman, has told MoT testing
centres to be warned. Yet the VI is cautioning drivers to beware of centres that cut corners as well as prices. "IF garages want to use the
MoT as a loss leader that's up to them. But drivers should ensure their vehicles are given a thorough check," says a VI spokeswoman.