Fines will still be issued to those that fail to keep their car in a roadworthy condition even if their car is exempt from MOT testing. Road expert Alan Colman revealed fines for NHS staff and key workers were unlikely to be waived as officers would not let major car damage go unnoticed.
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MOT tests suspended for six months
Speaking to Express.co.uk, Mr Colman said: “You can’t drive your car around in any condition. It’s obviously got to be in a roadworthy condition which is safe to use on the road.
“One that always sticks in my head is a lady in a posh Audi who ran one of the NHS hospitals in the Midlands. She had two tyre faults and she did nothing about it.”
He claims charges could be issued to road users during routine spot checks to determine whether motorists were on essential journeys.
Mr Colman told Express.co.uk: “It can cause deaths. It can cause serious injuries or deaths.
“If your tyre blows out on a motorway and its on the steering axle your control of the vehicle is extremely limited unless you’re an experienced driver.
“Officers will offer a commonsense approach. But obviously they are going to be doing these stop checks now.
“If you see the springs cracks or the wipers hanging off you’re not going to let it go, you’re going to say something about it.”
Garages are not set to close under the government’s strict coronavirus lockdown measures and many will remain open for essential repairs.
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This means motorists are likely to be expected to keep their car in a reasonable road condition at all times.
However, some have decided to voluntarily close due to the outbreak to protect staff and customers.
This could make it harder for many in quieter towns to secure repairs for car damage if many garages have decided to close down.
Driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition could see road users fined up to £2,500 and issued penalty points.
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This means motorists are likely to be expected to keep their car in a reasonable road condition at all times.
However, some have decided to voluntarily close due to the outbreak to protect staff and customers.
This could make it harder for many in quieter towns to secure repairs for car damage if many garages have decided to close down.
Driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition could see road users fined up to £2,500 and issued penalty points.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps confirmed although MOT tests had been suspended for six months, road users must keep their car in a safe condition.
In a statement on Twitter, Mr Shapps said: “Given the circumstances I’m granting an MOT temporary exemption so that if your MOT is due from 30th March 2020 you will automatically receive a six-month extension.
“However, you must still keep your car in a roadworthy condition and garages will remain open if you need repairs.”
Under new laws, police officers will also be able to fine motorists for leaving the house for non-essential journeys.
The government has said drivers should only leave to shop for food and medicines, help vulnerable people or travel for essential work.
Breaking the rules can see road users issued fines of up to £60 but this can be reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days.
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