CAR giant Toyota is set to begin repairing accelerator pedals on thousands of cars today (February 10) as part of a nationwide recall.

It has been estimated some 180,000 drivers in Britain will need to have modifications made to their Aygo, iQ, Yaris, Auris, Corolla, Verso and Avensis models.

The Japanese car manufacturer has identified a small risk of the accelerator pedal sticking in a partially open position.

Toyota has dealerships in Maidstone Road and Rectory Lane, both in Sidcup, and Burnt Ash Lane in Sundridge Park.

Great Britain managing director Miguel Fonseca said: “I would like to start by apologising to our customers for any concern we have caused. As you may have heard, in extremely rare cases there has been an issue with the accelerator pedal in certain Toyota models.

“Customer safety is always the primary focus for Toyota and, understandably, never more so than now. Which is why, as a precaution, we are recalling every car that may develop this condition.

“What is certain is that the chance of this issue occurring in your car is very small. There have been very few reported cases in the UK.”

He added: “Toyota and our retail network are committed to doing everything possible to solve this issue, and we deeply regret any concern this may have caused.”

Reports today (February 10) suggest repairs on every affected model could take a month to complete as parts are shipped in.

Toyota says the repair for individual cars should take only 30 minutes and it is contacting customers owning any of the seven models affected inviting them to contact their local Toyota service centre to book in their car.

The Association of British Insurers says insurance policies will continue to cover car owners affected by both recalls.

A spokesman added: “Any claims will be dealt with in the normal way, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the policy.

“If they have not already done so, anyone who thinks they may be affected should contact their local Toyota dealer and follow their advice."

Anyone who has experienced an accelerator issue with their Toyota or has any further concerns should call Toyota on 0800 1388744.

Full list of models affected by the recall:

Aygo (February 2005 - August 2009) - only Aygo MMT is affected

iQ (November 2008 - November 2009)

Yaris (November 2005 - September 2009)

Auris (October 2006 - January 5, 2010)

Corolla (October 2006 - December 2009)

Verso (February 2009 - January 5, 2010)

Avensis (November 2008 - December 2009)

Toyota has also announced a global recall of its third-generation Prius models, built before January 27, 2010, because of a brake problem.

News Shopper has received reports that staff at dealerships in the News Shopper area have been asked to work longer hours to cope with demand.

A spokesman for Toyota says its mechanics have been invited to work longer hours, including weekends and evening shifts, on a voluntary basis.

How do you feel about the recall? News Shopper wants to speak to anyone with a Toyota who is affected. Call the newsroom on 01689 885732 to tell us your story.