The recall affects 180,865 vehicles in the UK, which are being fixed at 206 Toyota service centres – the carmaker says that the work should be completed in a matter of weeks due to the centres extending their opening hours.

Toyota added that its technicians have received specific training in the repair, the parts are in stock and that the pedal repair should take no longer than 30 minutes to complete.

Steve Settle, Toyota GB customer services director, said: 'We are doing everything we can to ensure our customers' vehicles are attended to as promptly as possible. With the assistance of the DVLA and the commitment of all our centres, we have been able to launch a repair programme that is thorough, efficient and effective in ensuring all the vehicles affected by the recall are fixed.

'Toyota service centres will be working extended hours and weekends. As a consequence, they have the combined capacity to repair 6,000 vehicles per day. By Friday we will have received 100,000 repair parts from Japan. We have implemented the recall as quickly as possible.'

Toyota has added that it prioritise those customers whose cars have been identified as having the fault via the Toyota customer helpline or directly with centres.

The carmaker has also announced that its service centres have also received the necessary software to update the Prius brake system. A total of 8,500 third-generation Prius – built before 27 January 2010 – are to be recalled in the UK in response to reports of inconsistent brake feel during slow and steady braking on bumpy or slick road surfaces when the anti-lock braking system (ABS) is activated.

This recall will consist of a software upgrade in the anti-lock braking system. The procedure will be carried out free of charge and will take approximately 40 minutes using standard test equipment in use at all authorised Toyota service centres.

Drivers affected by the latest recall will receive written notification in the next few days.