Nearly one in ten cars failed MoT since the annual safety test was toughened up last year

NEARLY one in ten cars has failed an MoT since the annual safety test was toughened up last year.

Three million flunked the examination as a result of “dangerous defects” such as missing brakes, faulty steering and exhausts which were “likely to become detached”, new figures show.

PA:Press Association

Nearly one in ten cars has failed an MoT since the annual safety test was toughened up last year[/caption]

The MoT test underwent one of the biggest shake-ups in its 59-year history in May 2018 when new defect categories and fresh checks were brought in.

Any cars found to have major or dangerous faults are given an automatic test failure with a recommendation that the defect should be repaired before it is driven again.

Figures from the 12 months since reveal 2.9 million of the 31.2 million vehicles submitted for an MoT failed due to faults classed as dangerous.

It means that 9.4 per cent posed a “direct and immediate risk to road safety” or could have “a serious impact on the environment”.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, which oversees MoTs, said the number of vehicles on Britain’s roads with dangerous faults is likely to be even higher.

---

• GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk

---