Politician opposes plans for Manx MoT

A senior politician has voiced opposition to proposals for MOT-style road worthiness tests in the Island.

Alex Downie MLC raised the matter in Tynwald this week after Infrastructure chiefs launched a public consultation on the matter.

There are currently around 70,000 vehicles on Manx roads. Of those 2,000 commercial vehicles such as buses, taxis and HGVs are already required to undertake an annual test

But privately-owned vehicles are only tested if they are more than three years old when first registered in the Island and then only once. Official figures suggest older vehicles are more likely to be involved in accidents.

The department says the primary aim of the tests would be to reduce the number of road accidents.

Mr Downie is not convinced: