From the IAAF: In April the Secretary of State, Philip Hammond, announced that the government would be consulting on proposals to adopt either a 4-1-1, a 4-2-1, or a 4-2-2 frequency regime. It appears that retention of the current 3-1-1 regime is not being considered at all.

In 2008 the last government made an extensive review of MoT frequency and concluded that the increase in road deaths and casualties which would ensue from moving from the current 3-1-1 regime to the proposed 4-2-2 option was unacceptable. The decision was made following consultation and research by the DfT and outside experts; research which was, itself, quality checked by the Cabinet Office.

This latest announcement includes reference to research carried out by the Transport Road Laboratory (TRL) which was hurriedly completed and has not been subject to any quality review. The TRL researchers also point out that their brief was very specific and limited and that there are areas of enquiry that have not researched and data used which has not been validated.

The IAAF is not opposed to improvements in MoT testing and it has suggested several changes, which would make the test more rigorous, also aiding road safety improvements.

“What we’re not in favour of are changes which increase the potential for road casualties, deaths and serious injuries, that have a catastrophic effect on individuals and families, not to mention the economic detriment; and that’s what the suggestion that reducing the frequency of vehicle tests means,” says the IAAF. “These same suggestions also bring an environmental impact, with ‘out of tune’ vehicles pumping out pollutants, potentially for 23 months between tests. It doesn’t make sense in today’s environment-conscious world.”

The IAAF is asking a