The department of road transport on Friday revoked the roadworthiness certificates of certain Ford vehicles affected by the Takata airbag recall, citing urgent safety concerns, meaning the cars can no longer be driven on the roads.

The decision follows a warning from local Ford importer Michaels Automotive Limited which confirmed that Ford issued new instructions for the immediate immobilisation of the affected vehicles due to the life-threatening risks posed by defective airbags.

“The department of road transport has proceeded with the revocation of roadworthiness certificates for these vehicles,” the department said.

The ruling only affects a limited number of vehicles and is due to a change in place of construction.

The action forms part of a wider market surveillance and safety campaign following the recall of Takata airbags late last year.

Vehicle owners who have already contacted an authorised distributor but were unable to book an appointment are now urged to call the department’s dedicated hotline for help (22 600500). The call centre operates Monday to Friday from 8am to 3pm.

Takata airbags have been linked to numerous fatalities and injuries worldwide. In serious cases, the airbags can explode with excessive force, sending sharp metal fragments into the car’s interior.

It is believed that up to 90,000 cars are still on the Cyprus roads with Takata airbags.

In the latest announcement, the department did not list specific models in the announcement.

“Timely implementation of the recall is an act of responsibility to protect ourselves and our fellow citizens,” the department said.

Owners of recalled vehicles are being advised to urgently contact Michaels Automotive Limited for further instructions.