As we’ve been reporting on, the increasing number of fraudulent MOT certificates being issued, often ‘ghost MOTs,’ is becoming a threat to road safety across the UK.
The practice, which involves issuing a legal certificate without actually performing the mandated roadworthiness test, sometimes not even seeing the vehicle, fundamentally undermines the system designed to keep vehicles, and us, safe.
The most recent case highlights the severity of the issue, with Jamie Birch, of Widnes, appearing in court charged with 16 counts of fraud by false representation. It was alleged that the 42-year-old committed the offences at Tyre Hub, on Widnes Road, between December last year and January this year, by “issuing MOT certificates without performing the MOT test,” intending to gain for himself or another.
At Warrington Magistrates’ Court last Wednesday, Birch indicated guilty pleas to all charges. The case has been adjourned until December for sentencing, pending a pre-sentence report.
Sadly, this incident is not isolated. The motivation behind ‘ghost MOTs’ is purely financial, allowing drivers to avoid the cost of essential repairs needed to pass the annual safety check. But, the consequences are far-reaching. Being a legal requirement for vehicles over three years old, it ensures that critical components are checked regularly – such as brakes, lights, emissions and seatbelts to ensure they meet road safety and environmental standards.
While the DVSA have introduced methods to combat this, the number of ‘ghost MOTs’ we’re seeing is undoubtedly on the rise, meaing potentially dangerous defects are go unaddressed time and again.
This practice not only defrauds the system but puts all of us road users at risk from unsafe vehicles. As these cases become more frequent, the industry, DVSA and law enforcement must increase scrutiny to ensure the integrity of vehicle safety standards is maintained.
Let us know your thoughts below, how can the industry better combat ‘ghost MOTs’, and are the punishments too lenient?
Mike
This has been happening for many many years only now technology makes it easier to see.
Wayne Hatton
What about all the 40 year old cars driving around with NO MOT at all is’nt that dangerous also ?
graham+cox
the truth of the matter is the mot scheme is outdated and the public in a lot of cases avoid it
the last few years as a testing station has become very hard and not cost effective
a lot of us in the trade are getting older and fed up of our voices being ignored
the whole thing needs updating and priced at a sustainable level for garages to operate at
graham ernigrip motors limited
Alastair
The mot log should be checked every morning by the AE this would highlight immediately an issue with fraudulent testing
Gareth
The test fee needs to move with inflation to around £80-£90 & should be set so it cant be lowered by the garages that charge £25 then fail the vehicle to make up the shortfall in profits
m smith
Totally agree
mark mitchell
bang on gareth the scheme needs looked at bring it up to date we have muppets up here doing mots for £30 fixed price and a increase in price dvsa did go on strike to get there pay rise what about us forgotten again