Is there a need for MOT centre?
IN PRINCIPLE, I agree with the periodic inspection of cars from a safety perspective, but am at a loss to understand why it is necessary for our government to have a separate centre set up that, in your words, ‘could cost several millions’. I do not understand why many garages in Guernsey cannot undertake this inspection at the time the vehicle is serviced each year for an additional fee. This is what happens in the UK and I understand that most garages are licensed to undertake an MOT inspection, which costs as little as £30.
If a vehicle is being serviced each year (which I believe it should be), then many of the checks required would be undertaken at that time. A relatively small amount of additional work and cost should be necessary to certify that the vehicle complied with the relevant safety requirements. The establishment of a separate centre would give rise to higher costs for motorists, a requirement for more staff, which I understand are in short supply, and the inconvenience of having to take one’s vehicle to a garage or centre twice, rather than once in a year.
I would hope that the Guernsey Motor Trades Association would support this view but would be interested to hear their views if they think it would not work. Surely it is the responsibility of government to save rather than spend money, ease pressures on employment and make our lives as convenient as possible.
MARTIN PRIEST.