Changes to the frequency of MoT tests for cars could lead to more than 250 additional road deaths a year, campaigners have said.

The Government is looking at ways "to reduce the burden" of the MoT test which is currently required annually for cars three years old or more.

Possible changes to this requirement have alarmed road safety, motoring and industry groups.

Today, 25 organisations joined forces to launch a campaign to get the Government to rule out reducing the frequency of MoT testing.

The campaigners fear any reduction could lead to 2,200 additional serious injuries a year as well as more-expensive repairs and higher insurance bills for motorists.

The organisations also say that most drivers are opposed to any MoT changes and that up to 40,000 jobs in the MoT industry, including a large number of apprenticeships, could be at risk.

AA president Edmund King said: "The Government should state that they will not change the frequency of MoTs."

Julie Townsend, deputy chief executive of road safety charity Brake, said: "Downgrading the system so MoTs are only required every two years is a nonsensical and inhumane policy that would mean many more needless tragedies."

David Bizley, the RAC's technical director, said: "The current MoT testing regime has stood the UK in good stead and ensures that there are relatively few accidents directly attributable to unroadworthy vehicles."

Road Safety minister Mike Penning said: "Vehicle technology has come a long way since the 1960s when our MoT regime was introduced, which is why we want to look again at the MoT to check whether we still have the right balance of testing for modern vehicles.

"This will be a genuine consultation and we want to work with the industry and motorists to get the decision absolutely right."