Dealers are being urged to bring their influence to bear on persuading the Government against changes to the frequency of MoT testing.

Ministers appaer to be favouring a move to new cars being tested every four years and then every two years thereafter.

Such a change would have a detrimental impact on vehicle safety and could lead to more road deaths and prove false economy for car owners hoping for a reduction in maintenance costs claims the RMI which is lobbying the Government against the move.

It is urging dealers to exploit the opportunity provided by the Government’s new ‘red tape challenge’ – designed to clear away unnecessary and burdensome regulation - to voice opposition to MoT changes.

“The MoT debate is already very much underway on the red tape challenge website (www.redtapechallenge.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/) and it is important that our views and accurate information are put across to help our anti-4.2.2 regulation cause.

“We are urging everyone to voice their opinion against the change to ensure the safety of our road users and livelihoods of those in our industry.” said John Ball, RMI MoT chairman.

The website is open for comment on road transport issues until June 17.

The RMI says a move to the new testing regime would save car owners as little as £25 a year, but could see increased repairs bills in biannual testing, together with a probable increase in insurance premiums.

There is also evidence of slipping maintenance standards as consumers seek to save money during the recession with a resultant increase in road deaths.

Ball said: “In 2008 the Department for Transport produced a report on this very subject that stated that such a change to the frequency of MoT testing could result in 400 extra road deaths a year."

In April transport secretary Phillip Hammond ordered a review of the testing regime, together with beginning a consultation on the move to '4:2:2'.

Hammond said: “Car technology has come a long way since the 1960s when the MoT regime was introduced. That’s why we think it’s right to check whether we still have the right balance of MoT testing for modern vehicles.”