Why is the Spanish equivalent of the MoT nowhere near as strict as the British test?

I have just read an article in Telegraph Motoring regarding the new MoT regulations that have recently come into force. I have just returned from Spain where we MoT'd a Spanish car in April. The test was carried out at one of their regional testing stations, similar to our HGV test stations. It had four lanes and was very busy. There were five of us in the car who never got out. Emissions and brakes were tested first, then the lights. There was certainly no checking of airbag warning lights etc. And finally there was a cursory look underneath, checking the steering. If the test lasted 10 minutes I am being generous. This is on a 12-year-old car covered in dents, not a new one in good condition. Is this another case of Brussels making up new laws that only the British obey?

Asked on 8 June 2013 by HG, via email

Answered by Honest John
Probably. You don't see a lot of fully concreted environmentally friendly scrapyards in France, Spain and Italy either.
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