VI examiners await decision on charges
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by Sally Nash
• Two Vehicle Inspectorate lorry examiners, who were arrested last November following allegations of issuing fraudulent test certificates, must wait until March to find out if they will be charged.
The pair were arrested at the Purfleet HGV Test Station in November following a joint investigation by Essex police and the VI (CM 20-26Nov 1997).
They were not charged with any offences but were released on police bail until March for further inquiries to be made.
One of them is due to report back to police on 11 March and the other on 12 March to learn their fate.
They could be put on bail again if further inquiries are necessary, say Essex police, or they could be charged. Two members of the public were also arrested at the same time as the VI examiners. One was released without charge; the other is also on bail until March.
The VI suspended the two examiners pending its own internal disciplinary procedures. It says the arrests followed allegations that it was possible to obtain annual test certificates for defective vehicles from the Purfleet centre.
The VI sent its auditors to Purfleet before deciding to liaise with the police.