Traffic officers have hit out at the number of cars they find without valid MOTs, saying: “They’re like buses.”

Ipswich Star: Police in Suffolk are stopping increasing numbers of cars without MOTs. Picture: GREGG BROWNPolice in Suffolk are stopping increasing numbers of cars without MOTs. Picture: GREGG BROWN

Officers from the Norfolk and Suffolk Roads and Armed Policing Team made the comment after stopping a car in Ipswich without a valid test certificate.

Its MOT had expired in August, with officers Tweeting after the incident on Monday, December 3: “They’re like buses, another car stopped in #Ipswich found to be driven with #NoMOT #TOR issued to the driver and reported for the offence.”

Officers had earlier Tweeted about a vehicle they spotted which transpired not to have had an MOT since July 2017.

In that case, the vehicle was untaxed since November 2017. A traffic offence report was also issued.

An MOT checks whether a vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards.

Cars must have an MOT on the third anniversary of their registration and every year after that, with motorists liable for a fine of up to £1,000 if they drive without a valid certificate.

Police advised people to check the status of their car’s MOT by visiting https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk