£3m lost revenue from MOT

SUSPENSION of MOT tests due to faults in v ehicl e lifts caused “substantial” losses of income - almost £3million in revenue alone - and it is surprising a replacement plan was not already in place, the Audit Office has said.

New equipment was purchased after cracks were discovered in 52 out of 55 of the existing machines, leading to large numbers of roadworthiness checks being cancelled.

The Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) made a loss of £2.1 million in 2019-20, compared with a surplus of £5.5million in the previous year.

Comptroller and auditor general Kieran Donnelly said: “The suspension of tests due to the faults in the lifts caused significant disruption to the public and substantial loss of income for the DVA.

“I am aware that similar and unforeseen problems with the same make and model of lift were experienced in other countries.

“I am, nonetheless, surprised that the DVA had not projected the end life of the lifts and did not have a replacement plan in place.”

Mr Donnelly’s report notes the suspension of MOT tests resulted in lost revenue of £2.95million from January to March 2020. The DVA also incurred costs of around £980,000, including £702,368 in compensation for cancelled tests.

Mr Donnelly added: “Whilst services have been resumed, it is unlikely that there will be a full resumption of all services in the 2 0 2 0 - 2 1 ye a r a s a re sult of continued restrictions.”