IGA urges garages ‘have your say’ on MOT price cap

3 March 2025  

Independent garage owners and operators are being urged to give their views about the future of the MOT price cap, ahead of industry talks with the government next week.

The Independent Garage Association is calling on garages to speak up ahead of its March 11 talks about the long-standing MOT fee freeze and the financial impact of the recent budget.

The IGA said it will hold talks with officials from the office of future of roads minister Lilian Greenwood and wants to present concrete evidence on how these financial constraints are affecting businesses across the sector.

The government’s MOT fee freeze has placed mounting financial pressure on independent garages, exacerbated by increasing operational costs, the IGA said.

Additionally, budget measures unveiled last autumn pile on the pressure.

To build a strong, evidence-based case, the IGA is seeking data and insights from businesses on:

· The rising costs of operating an MOT station since 2010, including equipment, training, and maintenance expenses;

· Increases in overhead costs, utilities, and insurance;

· Salary increases for MOT testers and staff since 2010;

· The financial impact of next month’s National Insurance increase;

· The effect of minimum wage increases from April;

· Any other relevant financial or operational challenges impacting independent garages.

All information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence and anonymised where necessary.

IGA director Jonathan Douglass said: “This is an important opportunity to make our collective voice heard at the highest levels.

“The MOT fee freeze and increasing financial pressures are unsustainable for independent garages, and we need real-world data to support our case. Your input will help us advocate for meaningful change.

“The challenges faced by independent garages are significant, and this meeting is a critical step toward addressing these issues. We appreciate the support and urge everyone to contribute their insights to strengthen our case.”

Businesses are encouraged to submit their data and insights by March 5 to: IGAcomms@rmif.co.uk.