MOT changes could see 3.7m fail

- 12th March 2009

Changes in MOT rules may mean more than 3.7 million motorists will fail their next test.

Proposals have been issued to ban reflective number plates, which are used to prevent recognition by speed cameras.

The Department for Transport (DfT) estimates 400,000 motorists would be affected by the new plans, but research from car insurance firm Esure predicts it to be one in ten drivers, amounting to 3.7 million people.

A survey of 1,000 car users finds 11 per cent have tampered with their number plate or would consider doing so.

In addition, the research finds four per cent of people say they have number plates which are difficult to read or have placed screws in strategic places to distort the numbers and letters.

Commenting on the plan, a spokesperson for the DfT states: "The main purpose of this modification to the MOT test is to detect registration plates which have an illegal background that can prevent identification of the plate by traffic enforcement cameras."

Mike Pickard, head of risk and underwriting at Esure, also welcomes the move, saying anything which stops drivers flouting the law should be encouraged.