While diligent owners...

While diligent owners will be unaffected by the move, anyone buying used will be more exposed to the risk of potentially dangerous vehicles

Cars over three years of age are currently tested on an annual basis to confirm their roadworthiness, but cost-cutting proposals could see a longer two-year interval introduced.

Duncan McClure-Fisher, managing director of specialist cover provider Warranty Direct, said: “The idea is ridiculous! Once cars are outside a three-year manufacturer’s warranty, they need an annual MoT, because older cars are less likely to be serviced every year.”

The Independent Garage Association has also condemned the proposals. A spokesman for the organisation said: “With the current test in place, the MoT failure rate is more than 30 per cent. That’s nearly eight million defective vehicles detected thanks to this rigorous procedure. But around 50 per cent of all vehicles on the road could be unfit for use if only tested every two years.” That view is shared by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. Its spokeswoman told Auto Express: “We are concerned by the proposals. A significant proportion of vehicles already fail the MoT, and lengthening the interval would see the number of unsafe cars increase.”

While diligent owners will be unaffected by the move, anyone buying used will be more exposed to the risk of potentially dangerous vehicles. A spokesman for breakdown specialist Green Flag said: “A move to two years would not affect those people who maintain their vehicles regularly, but it could encourage more people to take to the roads in dangerous motors – without the need to dodge annual checks.”