A mechanic has been "removed from his role" at Halfords Autocentre after he was caught on camera taking a customer's car for a joyride at almost double the speed limit.
Car owner Shaun Ingram, who booked his Ford Focus ST in for a major service and MOT, said he was left "open-mouthed" when he saw footage taken by the camera he had fitted to the windscreen.
The car was returned without a scratch in this case, but car dealers and mechanics are constantly at risk of damaging vehicles during test drives or servicing. Up to date road risks insurance is vital to ensuring that car dealers and customers are covered if an accident occurs.
Although Mr Ingram's car was returned undamaged, his dashboard camera was returned with almost seven hours of footage including the mechanic swearing, planning to test drive the car, and driving the car at 57mph in a 30mph zone.
According to Halfords, the mechanic was a temporary worker at its Plymouth branch who has now been "removed from his role" after displaying "appalling behaviour".
A spokesman has confirmed that Mr Ingram has been refunded the £255 cost of the MOT and service. “We will be taking action to ensure this type of incident does not occur again in the future," the spokesman said.
