Police probe MoT ‘pass for cash’ claims

Exclusive Businessman alleges DVA staff accepting bribes

THE PSNI is probing claims that Driver and Vehicle Agency staff are taking bribes from car owners to pass their MoT tests.

A series of letters and emails seen by the Belfast Telegraph alleged it was possible for cars to be passed even if they had excessive rot, poor brakes and problems with lights.

A businessman who called the alleged practice a ‘pass for cash’ scandal, has passed his claims to the authorities which oversee MoT test centres. The alleged whistleblower, who wishes to remain anonymous, claimed the standard fee in Belfast was £150.

“I believe public safety is at risk and the public has the right to know,” the man said.

“I have no doubt that this is a problem which is occurring across the entire testing agency.”

Detectives from the PSNI’s reactive and organised crime branch are investigating.

A MAN has been arrested by police investigating an explosion in Strabane on Tuesday night.

The 20-year-old was seized in Newtownstewart yesterday morning, then taken to Belfast for questioning.

Police said it was a miracle the roadside bomb, which went off when three officers were on patrol in the area, killed no one.

“It is extremely fortunate that we are not talking about the deaths of police officers or members of the public,” Chief Inspector Ivor Morton added.

He also condemned the attack and those behind it and thanked the local community for “patience and understanding” during what he called a necessary and prolonged policing operation following an attack that showed a “callous disregard” for the safety of local people.

Householders evacuated from their homes after the blast have since returned.

Anyone with information can pass it on via the non-emergency 101 number or through Crimestoppers.