The Government has issued new guidance to motorists and the automotive industry on how to report MOT fraud.
Most garage owners and MOT testers follow the rules and work within legitimately run businesses, but there are still ‘those who try to cheat the system’, warned the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
Within the last year, the organisation said it has investigated 2,057 fraud reports, which resulted in 156 garages and 335 individuals being stopped from testing.
The DVSA said people can report an MOT tester or centre if the person or business is breaking the law. It provided three examples of illegal behaviour:
- Giving an MOT certificate to a vehicle they know should have failed
- Giving an MOT certificate to a vehicle they have not tested
- Taking bribes for MOT certificates
People have the option to report MOT testers and/or centres anonymously. Those raising issues should supply the following information if possible:
- Who’s involved
- What the MOT tester or centre has been doing
- Where it happened
- When it happened
- The vehicles involved, including the registration numbers (number plates) if you know them
The DVSA said once it has received a report, it will investigate claims made and/or work with other government departments and agencies and the police. Depending on how serious the offence is, the tester or centre could be banned from carrying out MOTs, fined or given a prison sentence.
To raise an issue, email enquiries@dvsa.gov.uk or phone 0800 030 4103.
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