The Road Haulage Association, the Freight Transport Association, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association have joined forces to urge the UK government to fully privatise truck, trailer, bus and coach annual MoT testing.

In a letter to Phillip Hammond, transport minister they say the DfT should drop the "flawed policy" of the previous government for the future of MoT testing.

It should follow the model for cars and vans, with tests done by industry. "This system is now well-proven for lighter vehicles." The trade bodies say that the old plan for part privatisation "will add unnecessary cost and complexity." Industry observers say that privatising testing might also release urgently needed Vosa staff to work on enforcement, particularly for foreign trucks.

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