DVSA estimates one in 20 trucks could be operating without valid MoT Illegal HGVs are filling roads, admits minister

By Chris Tindall

More than 20,000 HGVs in the UK are currently operating illegally without a valid MoT, according to the DVSA.

In response to a parliamentary question about vehicle testing this week, transport minister Baroness Vere said: “The DVSA estimates that at any time there could be around one in 20 of British HGVs operating on Great Britain’s roads without a valid MoT.

“The DVSA takes this matter very seriously and targets its on-road enforcement towards such vehicles. Any vehicle found not to have a valid MoT is referred to the traffic commissioners, who have the powers to take action against the licence of the vehicle operator.”

The most recent figures from the department for transport show that in 2021 there were 406,000 GB-registered HGVs, meaning that if the DVSA’s estimate is accurate then 20,300 lorries do not have an MoT.

Baroness Vere also said that following a review of HGV testing in 2021, there were no plans to change the current system: “The review, which was published the same year, concluded HGV testing should continue to be delivered as is, which provides independent assurance to ensure vehicles are maintained correctly, and safety is not compromised,” she added.