Tougher penalties planned as part of new MOT rule
Motorists could be facing tougher penalties concerning failures to get their vehicle MOT’d, driving uninsured, and the use of ‘ghost’ number plates.
Earlier this year the government laid out its new Road Safety Strategy, with reforms to motorcycle training, testing and licensing included as a possibility within it. But the consultation also looked at handing out tougher penalties across a wider range of issues.
They include failing to MOT a vehicle, driving uninsured, and the use of false/altered number plates. This is after police and road safety organisations informed the government of their concerns, as reported by Birmingham Live.
Certain offences do not carry additional penalties, including points on a motorist’s licence or a vehicle to be seized.
The consultation, which closed last week, also mentioned driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs as another issue where more work needs to be carried out, with tougher penalties a possibility, too.
The Road Safety Strategy is designed to reduce deaths and serious injuries on the road, and this was mentioned by Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Local Transport Lilian Greenwood MP. She said:
"With the number of UK road deaths having plateaued since 2010, it's clear that strong, decisive action is long overdue. The government recognises the need to take action now to reduce casualties and damage on our roads.
“There is no silver bullet of one measure that will drastically reduce road death. Real progress will come when a range of measures work together, systematically and consistently, towards a common goal."
Regarding the failure to MOT a vehicle, driving uninsured, or with ‘ghost’ number plates, it’s unclear for now what tougher penalties might look like. A total of seven motoring offences were mentioned including the four detailed above, while the consultation also highlighted failing to stop and report, non-seat belt usage, and driving unlicensed as other offences it was planning to address.
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After graduating with a sports journalism degree, Robert joined Crash.net to lead the WorldSBK coverage in 2021, while also providing MotoGP coverage. Fulfilling that role for over three years, Robert was able to put his knowledge about all things racing to the test.
