Report finds that faulty MOT lifts did ‘thousands more’ tests than were recommended

New equipment was purchased after cracks discovered in 52 out of 55 of the existing machines led to large numbers of roadworthiness checks being cancelled.

The defects were caused by “fatigue”, engineers said.

Another report found that the overall standard of record management observed within the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) was less than satisfactory.

A review said: “The lifts have clearly undertaken significantly more than the 22,000 design load cycles.”

Inspections have been undertaken every six months.

Use of the lifts equated to approximately 150,000-160,000 cycles since their installation in 2011/2012, a report said.

The manufacturer’s operating instructions said its standard version was designed for 22,000.

It said the maximum period of normal use in relation to the possible product life expectancy should be evaluated and scheduled by a qualified person during the annual safety inspection.

The engineering company behind the review added: “WYG would recommend that all lifts exhibiting signs of fatigue are taken out of service and replaced.

“We would not advocate any short-term localised repairs due to the presence of fatigue in the scissor legs around the pivot.”

In many instances, remedial works in the form of steel plates had been welded onto the lifts, preventing a thorough inspection.

Another recently-published report from the Civil Service’s internal audit team identified several instances where key discussions and decisions were not formally documented.

“We consider that, although the standard of record management in certain areas such as fault logging / H&S (health and safety) was of a good standard, the overall standard of record management observed was generally less than satisfactory.”

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said the review raised important questions around DVA’s approach to some aspects of its lift maintenance and inspection regime, including in relation to setting target dates and timescales.

She added: “They need careful attention so that lessons are learned.

“It is also concerning that the report finds that the overall standard of record management observed within DVA was less than satisfactory.”