One in 10 UK drivers skip MOT or delay tyre repairs due to costs

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 12:02 · Archive

A RAC survey finds one in 10 UK drivers have driven illegally by skipping MOT tests or delaying tyre replacements as repair bills and fuel costs surge.

One in 10 UK motorists has driven illegally by dodging MOT tests and tyre replacements, according to a RAC survey. The findings reveal thousands of people are taking to the road in vehicles that breach safety laws because they cannot afford garage bills. Three per cent of drivers deliberately skipped their annual MOT, while 7% failed to replace worn tyres that had fallen below the legal 1.6mm tread depth.

Younger people are feeling the financial pressure most acutely. A quarter of drivers under 25 admitted they put off essential repairs or tyre changes, compared to 21% of those aged 25 to 44 and just 5% aged 65 and over. Last year, around 10,000 motorists received penalty points on their driving licences for operating unroadworthy vehicles with defective brakes, steering or tyres.

Repair costs have become a significant burden for motorists. More than half of drivers, 60%, said the expense of maintaining and repairing their vehicle had risen over the past 12 months, with the average repair bill now approaching £700. Fuel costs have also surged, with a petrol tank costing £89 compared to £74 a year ago, and diesel reaching £100 from £79 twelve months earlier.

Rac head of policy Simon Williams said: 'It's concerning that so many drivers appear to be risking breaking the law by not having a valid MOT or driving on bald tyres.' Motoring organisations warn that ignoring mechanical faults is putting lives at risk.

How it is being reported

• DVSA MOT warning as average £700 car repair bills push drivers to break the lawRAC survey reveals one in 10 UK drivers have driven illegally by skipping MOT tests or delaying tyre replacements as repair bills and fuel costs surge.Worcester News · 14 Oct, 11:31
• DVSA MOT warning as average £700 car repair bills push drivers to break the lawRAC survey reveals one in 10 UK drivers have driven illegally by skipping MOT tests or delaying tyre replacements as repair bills and fuel costs surge.Malvern Gazette · 14 Oct, 11:31

In this story: RAC · DVSA · UK · Simon Williams

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem