The Government last month dropped plans to reduce the frequency of MOT testing. It had planned to make the testing a biennial requirement.

The plans had been criticised by many motoring organisations, who argued that dropping annual MOTs would be:

•    dangerous - resulting in an increase in deaths and serious injuries in British roads
•    expensive - costing motorists more in repair and insurance costs, and risking up to 50,000 jobs in the motor industry
•    unwanted - opposed by drivers themselves

“Having listened closely to the very many views put forward and considered the available evidence, I have decided that I am not going to carry out further work in relation to relaxing the first test date or the frequency of testing," said Transport secretary Justine Greening.

Pro-MOTe, the lobby group set up last year to campaign for the maintenance of annual MOTs, has welcomed the announcement.

According to Bill Duffy, Coordinator of Pro-MOTe and CEO of Halford Autocentres, the decision is a sensible one.

“The proposal to reduce MOT frequency was opposed by organisations across the board, from industry to road safety campaigners to insurance companies and others," said Mr Duffy. "Their support for Pro-MOTe and its objective was a major factor in persuading Ministers that the maintenance of annual MOTs was the right way forward."

“We look forward to working with Government on how to make the MOT test better and to ensure consumers receive the best customer service,” he added.

Strathclyde Tyres is currently running a special MOT offer, available until the end of March.