Unsafe automobiles proliferating on British roadways trigger concern
In 2024, the number of motorists penalized for driving unroadworthy vehicles in the UK saw a significant increase of over 50%, rising from 8,614 endorsements in 2023 to 13,109[1]. This surge can be attributed to a combination of factors: more drivers running unsafe vehicles and possibly increased police enforcement catching more offenders. Common defects include faulty brakes, worn tyres, and defective steering, with brake-related offences seeing a dramatic increase[2].
This rise reflects broader issues such as an annual increase in MOT failures (over 10 million failures), indicating many unsafe vehicles remain on the roads[3]. Additionally, drivers may be neglecting routine maintenance or repairs, and the safety-critical nature of defects like brakes and tyres is prompting greater police action and penalties[2].
Experts and road safety authorities are proposing solutions and calling for MOT reform to improve vehicle safety compliance, maintenance culture, and ultimately reduce road risks caused by unroadworthy vehicles. These proposed solutions include enhancing the MOT testing system for better detection and prevention of unsafe vehicles, making it easier and more affordable for drivers to maintain and check their vehicles, strengthening public awareness campaigns, and possibly reforming MOT regulations to focus more strictly on serious safety defects[4].
Stefan Hay, CEO of the National Tyre Distributors Association, has advocated for tyre safety to be treated with seriousness by the tyre trade, regulators, and motorists alike. He has called for MOT reform, suggesting the introduction of mandatory follow-ups on tyre-related advisories[5]. The RAC's head mobile mechanic, Nick Mullender, has stated that the increase in drivers penalized for unroadworthy vehicles could indicate more drivers are driving unsafe vehicles or more drivers are being caught by the police[2].
Jamie Hassall, executive director for the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety, has suggested a more people-centered approach to help drivers stay legal, with the police targeting those who choose not to act[1]. In 2024, a record number of cars failed their MOTs on tyres[6]. Greater London had the highest number of drivers penalized for driving unsafe vehicles, with a total of 1765 people[1]. Tyres were the most common defect leading to penalties, with 8495 drivers penalized for their condition[1].
In Yorkshire and the Humber, 1373 drivers were penalized, while South-east England had 1167 drivers penalized for driving unsafe vehicles[1]. These statistics highlight the need for increased awareness and action to ensure the safety of all road users.
References:
[1] BBC News (2024). More drivers penalised for driving unsafe vehicles. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-62564534
[2] RAC (2024). Record rise in drivers penalised for driving unsafe vehicles. [online] Available at: https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/news/record-rise-in-drivers-penalised-for-driving-unsafe-vehicles/
[3] GOV.UK (2024). MOT statistics: 2024. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/mot-statistics-2024
[4] National Tyre Distributors Association (2024). MOT reform: NTDA calls for mandatory follow-ups on tyre-related advisories. [online] Available at: https://www.ntda.co.uk/news/mot-reform-ntda-calls-for-mandatory-follow-ups-on-tyre-related-advisories
[5] Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (2024). Six million tyres below the minimum legal requirement. [online] Available at: https://www.pactuk.net/news/six-million-tyres-below-the-minimum-legal-requirement
[6] Highway Code (2024). MOT failures: Tyres. [online] Available at: https://www.thehighwaycodeuk.co.uk/mot-failures-tyres/
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