The UK’s £230m MOT system suffered technical problems
this week, disrupting the work of garages around the
country.
The cause of the problem isn’t yet known but the Vehicle and
Operator Services Agency has confirmed the disruptions, which
started earlier this week.
Siemens Business Services (SBS) built the system under a 10-year
private finance initiative on behalf of the government. After
severe delays, the system finally went live this March.
The UK’s 18,500 authorised MOT testing centres are linked to the
system, which was designed to replace handwritten MOT testing
certificates, wipe out the sale of fraudulent certificates, and
keep dangerous vehicles off the road.
During this week’s disruptions, garages had to revert to
handwritten MOT notes.
Siemens hasn’t commented on the problems. It is believed the
system is now working as normal.
