Responding to this announcement, Bob Leighfield, head of Midlands Operations for Arval commented: 'On balance, we welcome the governments decision, particularly from a driver safety point of view. Modern vehicles go wrong less so servicing intervals are longer and visits to the garage tend to be less frequent. The annual MOT test will provide a regular opportunity for an expert to check the vehicle, ensuring that it is running safely and efficiently.'

'The technical element of the MOT test has also become more stringent in 2012 with features like ESC, tyre pressure monitoring and electronic parking brakes now fully assessed. The nature of repairs is changing with more complex parts on the vehicle that must remain fully operational throughout its life.' 

'For fleets, the continuation of annual MOT tests makes it all the more important to ensure that drivers look after a vehicle; firstly to reduce the need for maintenance and repair outside of the MOT, and also to limit servicing costs linked to the passing of the MOT test.'

'From a cost angle, I can understand that some fleets will view this decision as a negative one. However, when it comes to driver safety, there is no room for complacency. We also see situations where poorly maintained vehicles have increased running costs because there is an undiagnosed problem. For these reasons, the government’s decision is a sensible one.'