A high majority of consumers support the annual MoT test according to a survey jointly sponsored by the RMI, National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA), Scottish Motor Trade Association (SMTA), and the MoT Club.

The survey questioned 4,200 motorists, with 92% saying the annual MoT test is suitable and that changing it to two years will threaten road safety; 93% also agree that the annual MoT is not an unnecessary burden on motorists; and 97% believe that the prime purpose for an MoT is to ensure vehicles are safe on our roads.

The RMI said the motor industry believes there are a number of positive changes that could be made to the MoT testing scheme to improve the safety of vehicles – but moving to two year testing, however, is not one of them.

John Ball, RMI MoT chairman, said: “The retail motor industry is keen to work with the Coalition government in reviewing the MoT testing regime and together these four trade bodies have a number of positive ideas which we want to put forward to ministers that will benefit both vehicle safety and the motorist.

“We remain however totally opposed to any change in frequency of testing, given its potential devastating effect on road safety. The results of the survey clearly prove that motorists also share this view and agree that the value of the annual MoT is not an unnecessary burden.

“With motorists being forced to reduce their spending on servicing and repairs in these current austere times, the annual MoT is seen by many as an essential requirement to ensuring their vehicles are roadworthy and safe.”