London motorists fail MOT tests due to carelessness

1.5 million MOT failures could be avoided every year if motorists carry out simple checks Motorists in London are more likely than those in any other part of the UK to fail their MOT as a result of simple, easy-to-fix, issues such as blown bulbs, worn tyres and cracked windscreens. The research, conducted by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), indicates that around 1.5 million MOT failures each year could be avoided if motorists carry out simple visual checks of their vehicles and forewarn their dealer of issues, before the annual test of roadworthiness.
Across the various London boroughs, the research suggests 35 percent of failure issues could have been anticipated had the visual checks been carried out. This is well above the national average of 22 percent.
The findings are highlighted as part of the automotive industry's ‘Minute Or Two’ campaign, which encourages motorists to carry out 10 visual checks of their vehicle prior to the MOT test. The full ‘Minute Or Two’ checklist, which can be viewed at www.passmymot.co.uk, includes checks of headlights, tyres, windscreen wipers and fluid levels. The website also features a video guide to the checks and a Garage Finder tool, powered by Motor Codes, the car servicing customer service scheme backed by Trading Standards.
The campaign is backed by every major car maker, and technicians at 5,545 manufacturer main dealerships across the UK are ready and able to assist customers who might be unsure about carrying out the checks themselves.
Central London topped the table of fixable MOT failures with SMMT findings showing that 46 percent of issues could have been addressed after a simple 'driveway' check. At the other end of the spectrum, the Orkney Islands had the lowest number of avoidable fails, with only 13 percent of issues being of the type that an owner could have identified in advance of the MOT. In joint second place are the Hebrides and Shetland, with a 13.6 percent ‘fixable’ failure rate.