Scotland Ash News

Peter Welch, Scotlands Ash Garage Proprietor, has slammed the decision by the DVSA to extend the MOT period for six months and described it as ‘frightening’.

Peter said: “The decision feels completely at odds with the government’s decision to allow garages to remain open. MOT’s are the lifeblood of many garages and so they will no doubt close as a result. We are strongly enforcing the government’s social distancing measures and we will continue to support emergency workers and NHS through this very challenging time.

“The failure rate for vehicles at Scotlands Ash Garage is 30percent, in-line with the national average. That means that, for us, each month at least 60 vehicles come in that are not roadworthy and this could be due to tyres or braking. To have these vehicles still on UK roads is frightening.”

Update – courtesy cars offered to emergency workers
Scotlands Ash Garage had been operating a collection and return service for motorists allowing them to keep their vehicles moving in a roadworthy condition during the Covid-19 pandemic.

But as the number of MOTs dropped dramatically, the garage has unfortunately had to close. Thankfully, the business has stayed active on social media, providing tips and advice to motorists on how to keep their vehicles on the road. The garage has also offered its fleet of courtesy cars, the biggest in the area, to NHS and emergency workers to use free of charge.

Diverting their phones to Peter’s mobile, the garage has carried out emergency work and MOTs to people. With all mechanics furloughed, Peter has brought in the services of a mobile mechanic to assist with the reduced workload.

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