The Retail Motor Industry Federation has urged MoT computerisation to stop “until it can be proved the system can cope”.

Ian Davis-Knight, head of technical operations for the RMI, made the comment after a system crash crippled the MoT network earlier today.

During 2005, all 19,500 UK MoT testing stations will receive new equipment intended to enable the MoT test to be computerised. The rollout is a joint venture between the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) and computer company Siemens.

Davis-Knight says: “Unfortunately a number of technical flaws have been revealed as the rollout has progressed, with today's crash being the worst manifestation so far. None of the garages connected to the system could function for more than two hours. Around 1,000 businesses were affected.

“The Government and VOSA must suspend any further testing on the computer system until guarantees can be given that it will work robustly."