Why do council offer MOT services?

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
View Threaded
Tue 16 Jul 2019 23:48
Why do council offer MOT services? - Warning

I read council offer MOT services. Can people say why?

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 17 Jul 2019 00:27
Why do council offer MOT services? - SLO76
It’s there as part of the repair and maintenance program for their own vehicles and while I don’t agree with tax payer subsidised businesses completing with the wealth generating private sector in general this is one positive example. They don’t do repairs and thus have no incentive to fail in order to generate business. Sometimes though I’ve found them to be a tad over-zealous for that precise reason. They don’t have to attract custom, they get paid whether they’re good or bad so sometimes they’re pretty harsh on cars that really should pass. It varies region to region so google for reviews first.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 17 Jul 2019 09:27
Why do council offer MOT services? - DJDave65
They have a legal duty to provide MoT’s for taxis and private hire vehicles that are registered in their area. This is to stop rogue taxi operators getting bent MoT’s. As they are tested every 6 months, it makes it easier for the council ( the licensing authority) to make sure that the standard of vehicles is maintained. As there is usually more Test slots than cars to be tested, it’s an excellent idea to use this time to generate cash for the council coffers.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 17 Jul 2019 09:27
Why do council offer MOT services? - Bromptonaut

IMHO it's about using slack time in their workshops.

I had my last one done by South Northants Council in Towcester. They advertise the service a bit, pop up stand in the council offices, flyers attached to bins, that sort of thing. Paid the full fee so they're not undercutting commercial providers. Comfortable waiting room with coin operated coffee machine, CCTV feed from workshop so I could watch my car being tested.

All done and dusted while u wait. Passed with flying colours.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 17 Jul 2019 11:40
Why do council offer MOT services? - jc2

Colchester Fire Brigade workshops do them!

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 17 Jul 2019 12:19
Why do council offer MOT services? - Falkirk Bairn

Post Office are another suggestion - to MoT their own vans etc they have to be open to the public.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 17 Jul 2019 12:40
Why do council offer MOT services? - Engineer Andy

I believe that BT used to have their own facilities as well (both old GPO and often sharing the same overall buildings and facilities for larger sites). Not sure if this is still the case though, given my last visit for work was some time ago.

Edited by Engineer Andy on 17/07/2019 at 12:40

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 17 Jul 2019 15:25
Why do council offer MOT services? - SLO76
BT fleet do offer Mot, service and repair facilities to anyone as far as I’m aware. There’s one just round the corner from me and they do look after several local firms vans and there’s always cars sat at the workshop.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 17 Jul 2019 20:00
Why do council offer MOT services? - dan86

I work for the Local authority and they do the MOT for our fleet and all maintenance at our depot.

The also do the MOT for bus garages in the area a few local haulage firms minicab and the general public.

They offer them at £45 but staff get £5 off. I know I can get my MOT cheaper but they have no reason to fail the car or let it pass unnecessarily and I just put my car keys in the fleet managers desk when I get to work in the morning and by the time I've finished my shift MOT is done and I can go home.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link