Tougher MOT tests from May will put diesel drivers in the firing line

A raft of strict checks will lead to more cars failing, with tougher emission measures likely to catch out diesel vehiclesA tough new MOT testing system for 30m cars on Britain's roads starts on 20 May - threatening expensive bills for many diesel drivers and chaos at MOT centres as fears grow that new emissions testing equipment will not be ready on time.The old-style "pass or fail" test is being replaced with a new MOT system that will classify faults as minor, major and dangerous, with the last two resulting in an automatic failure. Crucially, new diesel emission checks will be required to make sure vehicles meet "plate standards". If they fail, the repair bill could run into thousands of pounds, which for some vehicles will be more than the car is worth. Most at risk are drivers of any diesel car from around 2006 onwards - models that came with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to clean up its emissions. Continue reading...