Category: Urgent Update

MOTs set to resume in England, Scotland and Wales from 1 August

On 30 March, drivers were granted a 6-month exemption from MOT testing.   Lockdown restrictions are easing, and all drivers with an MOT due from 1 August are being urged to book an MOT test. This is a legal requirement. Drivers who have an MOT test due before 1 August will still be granted the 6-month extension. For example, if your MOT is due on 31 July, it’ll be extended to 31 January 2021. But even if your vehicle is exempt, you should take it to the garage immediately if you notice something wrong. You can still be prosecuted for driving an unsafe vehicle. A few garages UK-wide remained open during the outbreak to conduct essential repairs. Now, 90% of garages are open across the country. Roads Minister Baroness Vere said: “As people return to our roads, it is vital that motorists are able to keep their vehicles safe. That’s why as restrictions are eased, from 1 August MOT testing will again become mandatory. Garages across the country are open and I urge drivers who are due for their MOT to book a test as soon they can.” If you’re vulnerable or self-isolating and your car needs a repair or your MOT is due, contact your local garage. They may be offering safe pick-up and drop-off services.

Keep your vehicle safe to drive

You must make sure your vehicle is safe to drive (‘roadworthy’). It can be unsafe even if your MOT expiry date has been extended.

Find out how to check your vehicle is safe and read the rules about vehicle maintenance, safety and security.

You can be fined up to £2,500, be banned from driving and get 3 penalty points for driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition.

Dear member

Your committee has over the last few days been discussing how we respond as a club to various scenarios, caused due to Coronavirus. Obviously the Health of the Membership is the Highest Priority to us all.

Following the advice from the Government in particular.(Paraphrased)

• Everyone should avoid gatherings with friends and family, as well as large gatherings and crowded places, such as pubs, clubs and theatres.
• By next weekend, those with the most serious health conditions and over 70’s must be “largely shielded from social contact for around 12 weeks”

We are taking the following action, there will be no formal club meeting until at least the end of May (March Sundays Meeting, and Wednesday and Sunday Meetings in April and May). If members wish to gather at The Aviator on those dates/times that will be a personal decision, but there will be no formal club activity. We will advise further going forward as I would imagine the advice will develop.

In respect of events that have been booked such as the 29^th March Brampton Halt lunch, then this must be a members own personal decision if they wish to attend. (Equally although a few months away the Wansford Fish and Chips Evening). Events such as Hollowell, Kimbolton etc, assuming they are not cancelled will again be a members personal decision if they attend.

We will try our best and keep up with events as they are cancelled and notify people, and in particular if we hear The Aviator is closed. We will look to post messages on the clubs Facebook Page and email members with any updates, as they happen.

At present we have not cancelled the Rose of The Shires run, and will be making a decision in the next few week, to see how the situation develops.

It’s very unfortunate we are having to make these decisions just as (hopefully) the weather is starting to improve, but everyone’s Health is the prime concern.

We are awaiting to see how thing develop but will be looking at membership fees once thing return to normality.

Best Wishes to Everyone and Stay Healthy

Gary on behalf of the Northants MG Owners Club Committee.