Mot testers holding owners to ransom

I agree, but sadly inevitable given the new wording on the new certs.

we,ve got a spate of tyres below legal limit,(1mm to 1.5mm), and now we're running out of car parking spaces. we don't fit tyres here!

I have just spoken to an other test station near us and they are doing the same as us in just letting them go as it is up to the owner if they drive it the only time we would really say you should not is if had some like a brake pipe leaking. They are quoted Neil Barlow in the articles who is saying no tester or station has the power to hold cars but it is not a good idea for them to be driven.

The fitter where I work will now not drive a car with any fail on now even a bulb or number plate. Still drove his own car for 5 weeks with no mot on it.

Surely a easy solution. Dvsa to send a special notice to all mot stations advising we have no legal power to hold a customer's car. Or have I missed something

For my part I have trouble believing so many testers and garage owners think they had the right all of a sudden to withhold people's keys.

You're not wrong, but we've always had them drive off with no brakes, wheels hanging off etc, with all the kids on board. Leaving you wondering if you should at this point be calling Plod.

When I get a dangerous fail , I explain to presenter CAREFULLY what it means , tell them I cannot stop them taking the vehicle & simply ask them to sign my copy of the refusal above the dangerous fails section . NO one has refused & local solicitor said it was a sound practice as it ensures the onus is squarely with the presenter / driver and your backside is safe .