All MOT tests suspended with immediate effect

The Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) has suspended all MOT tests for cars and light vehicles with immediate effect.

It comes after issues were raised with lift equipment at MOT test centres.

Paul Duffy, chief executive of the DVA, said: "Following further inspections of lift faults in MOT centres, the contractor has not provided sufficient assurance to DVA this evening on the effectiveness of the ongoing repairs.

"To ensure the health and safety of staff and customers and as a precautionary measure, DVA has suspended all MOT testing for cars and light vehicles with immediate effect.

"Tests on heavy goods vehicles and buses will continue."

Car and light vehicle drivers with tests scheduled for Tuesday have been advised not to attend.

"All customers, except customers with four-year-old vehicles and taxis, willbe automatically issued an MOT exemption certificate and therefore can continue to drive," Mr Duffy said.

"The exemption will be recorded in the DVA system and a hard copy will arrive by post in the coming days.

"For customers with four-year-old vehicles and taxis, we are working tourgently find a solution to get these vehicles through MOT and will contactcustomers directly.

"The DVA will issue a further statement as a matter of urgency to advise these customers and those who have MOTs booked for later this week. We want to advise customers that more cancellations are very likely."

Mr Duffy's statement went on to recognise the "considerable inconvenienceand disruption" for many people, and includes a "sincere apology".

"Given the urgency of this situation, we are asking the public to followmedia, social media channels and nidirect for updates. Staff will also be keptfully informed by their centre managers," he added.

The DVA says it is working to contact owners of taxis and four-year-old cars to book them for tests in the coming days.

The agency adds that priority is being given to those with MOTs that have expired or expire on Tuesday (28 Jan), so motorists can tax their vehicles.