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An estimated total of 12.5million road users may have skipped basic road maintenance procedures which could backfire and led to charges. Analysis from experts at BookMyGarage has revealed that a third of UK motorists have put off servicing vehicles due to financial constraints.
A total of 29 percent have also delayed services simply because their cars have travelled just a few miles during the shutdown.
Nearly eight in ten road users say they would normally get their car services annually under normal circumstances.
But almost half of those surveyed said they were concerned about the safety of their vehicle.
Jessica Potts, Head of Marketing for BookMyGarage has revealed that the shutdown has had an “adverse effect” on the health of vehicles.
She reveals it was “important” road users made sure their cars were up to scratch now roads were returning to normal.
Ms Potts said: “The figures we’ve seen coming through our network of 9,000 franchise and independent garages suggests that the pandemic and lockdown has definitely had an adverse effect on the health of our cars.
“It’s understandable that motorists have wanted to save money during the pandemic, as many have unfortunately lost their jobs, earned less because of the furlough scheme or taken pay cuts.
“But it’s important that motorists get their cars up to scratch now that Britain’s car parc is moving again.”
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It is a legal requirement to get a valid MOT test certificate but drivers are not legally required to get a car serviced.
But the check makes sure that vehicles are running properly and are safe to continue driving on the road.
Failing to conduct regular maintenance checks on a vehicle may mean that drivers do not know that their vehicle is unsafe to use on the road which can lead to consequences.
According to the Road Traffic Act 1988, a person is guilty of an offence if he uses, causes or permits another to use a motor vehicle which involves damage of injury.
Drivers found breaking the rule could be issued a fine of £2,500 and three penalty points on their driving licence.
In some circumstances where a vehicle has put yourself or others at serious risk, police officers may be able to issue a charge for dangerous driving.
This can see fines increase to £5,000 with up to nine penalty points issued onto a licence.
Under some extreme cases, motorists could even find themselves issued a temporary driving ban or have their licence revoked.
According to experts at BookMyGarage, friends are bracing themselves for a massive surge in demand.
The analysis found that extra repair work required for cars booked into MOT’s in July almost doubled from 25 percent to 48 percent.
This reveals that vehicles were generally in a worse condition than last year prompting concerns over the health of vehicles on the road.
The DVSA has issued an urgent plea to get drivers to book their MOT tests early to avoid disappointment.
MOT test extensions have come to an end meaning garages will be forced to fit in new tests as well as battle the backlog caused by the pandemic.
This means many drivers may miss out on obtaining a new certificate before their current one expires which could see many forced off the road or risk fines for breaking the law.
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