The National Car Test (NCT) has seen more than 3,000 vehicles deemed 'dangerous' during the first half of 2015, the latest figures have revealed.
Data published by Applus.com shows that 3,059 vehicles of the 820,000 tested in the opening six months of the year were declared unsafe to drive, resulting in them being towed away from NCT centres.
And more than half the cars tested overall have failed the NCT, with only 48 per cent passing first time during the period. Thankfully, more than 90 per cent of cars that did fail passed the NCT second time around.
The 3,059 cars towed so far in 2015 means it is almost certain that the record figure of 4,800 deemed dangerous, from 2014, will be surpassed by the end of the year.
The top reasons for NCT failure were front suspension defects, worn tyres, brake line and brake light problems and issues with the headlamps.
Anything else?
Due to the re-tests and the fact that 2011, 2009 and 2007 models - alongside cars which are 10 years old or more - are all scheduled to undergo the process, it is predicted that a record number of NCTs will be conducted in 2015. The AA was quick to point out that the dangerous cars therefore represented a relatively small fraction of the total number being tested.