The MVRA had advised all MoT test stations to make sure their calibrated equipment, including diesel smoke meters, brake testers and exhaust gas analysers, are checked within the 12-month time frame required by the Vehicle Inspectorate.

This follows a number of cases where stations relied on their equipment supplier to carry out the test under their contract. The supplier failed to fulfill the agreed test and the station was subsequently caught using untested equipment.

John Wesley, the MVRA's Mot spokesman says: “The onus is clearly on the authorised examiner to keep up to date with the calibration checks and the VI always holds the authorised examiner responsible. The VI may take a more lenient view where a maintenance contract exists and it can be proven that the provider defaulted on the terms of the contract. But a garage would be unwise to bank on it.”