Big bills for MoT failures possible from next year.

A radical shake-up of the MoT test will leave motorists liable for astronomical bills to repair electronic stability control (ESC) systems from next year.

The new rules - required under EU law - will also see equipment like electric seat adjustment motors and factory-fitted tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) added to the Department for Transport’s annual test of Roadworthiness.

ESC will become mandatory on new cars from 1st November 2012, but the rules don’t only apply to new vehicles, or systems that came as standard - they apply to any vehicle that has it fitted.

20 car manufacturers in the UK where contacted to find out how much ESC could cost to repair. But it’s so complicated that many firms couldn’t give them an answer.

Those that could say said that the bill could top £2,000. Repairing an electric seat adjustment motor can cost upwards of £1,500 and replacing a TPMS system will set you back almost £500.

Motoring groups have voiced concern that the new rules will apply retrospectively, rather than to cars registered from 1st January 2012, when the changes kick in. AA President Edmund King said, “We do think it’s correct that the MoT test keeps up with technology - that’s a move in the right direction. But if you look at other technology legislation, you are normally given a date from which it applies. “Some people will be caught out unfairly because they were early adopters. A degree of flexibility with older vehicles would have been good.”

So will the price of the MoT test go up? - Not immediately. A Department for Transport spokeswoman said, “There are currently no plans to increase the MoT fee next year.” However, the MoT Trade Forum has confirmed that the changes will increase the time it takes to conduct a test by nearly five minutes. Chairman Jim Punter said “The MoT test trade will be pushing for either the time to be reduced or the fee to be increased.”

Am I more likely to fail the MoT Test? - Yes, according to Jim Punter. “I think it will lead to more failures,” he said. “We’ll be now be testing for the condition of the electrical wiring and the battery - I believe that will lead to more failures.” Will it affect prices for used cars with ESC? - Possibly. Valuation expert CAP says the jury is still out. But Mark Bulmer, editor of its Black Book guide, said; “It depends whether the desire for safety outweighs potential extra costs. I wouldn’t risk a £2,000 bill on a £4,000 car.”