A NEW high-tech MOT centre design to specifically test HGVs has been officially opened by Witham’s MP.

Home Secretary Priti Patel made an appearance on Friday at Motus Truck and Van at Gershwin Park, Witham.

She was there to cut the ribbon for the company’s new testing facility for carrying out MOTs on HGVs.

Motus Truck and Van is a trading division of Motus Group UK, which provides Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles across Essex and East Anglia.

During her visit, Ms patel met Scott Fogharty, general manager for the Essex North region and managing director Lee Seward, who gave her a tour of the building, after the ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

The new facility ensures HGVs are safe to go back out on the road. 

Ms Patel said: “It was very interesting to see how this new hi-tech system for testing these huge vehicles works.

“Getting them back on the road as quickly as possible is a vital service as every hour they are out of service is lost revenue for the company which owns them.

“The road haulage industry is a massively important link in our country’s supply chains, which couldn’t be more important at the present time.”

Mr Fogharty said: “We are delighted with our new MOT testing facility and particularly pleased that Priti was able to be here to formally open it for us. 

"These important tests can be carried out here quickly and efficiently.

"It is a service that I know our customers greatly appreciate as it helps to get these expensive assets back on the road, with the minimum of delay.”  

The visit was organised in co-operation with Witham Chamber of Commerce.