Why is ABS part of the MoT?

My Megane recently failed its MoT because the ABS was out of action. I told the tester that I did not need or want ABS. I have driven for more than 50 years in all sorts of conditions and never used ABS. Cars without ABS are roadworthy and safe to drive but he told me that was not relevant; if ABS was fitted it had to be working.

Surely ABS is not essential? Its how you drive, not what gizmos are fitted. He also added that new requirements were introduced in January making the MoT even more restrictive and soon we poor motorists won’t be able to afford to run our cars.

Asked on 31 March 2012 by BS, via email

Answered by Honest John

ABS failure has meant MoT failure for at least 15 years. But from 1 January 2012, to get line with Europe, the MoT got tougher still, including ESP, airbags and a lot more. So it's going to put a lot more perfectly functional cars off the road, more than the Scrappage Scheme. More here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/news/legal--motoring-advice/2.../

Tags: mot abs air bags esp

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