28/09/2001

MOT tests gets £57 million overhaul

A £57 million investment by the DOE Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency is set to revolutionise the MOT in Northern Ireland.

Minister of the Environment Sam Foster has revealed that DVTA customers can look forward to lower waiting times and improved consistency of the test, which in turn will ensure major improvements in road safety.

He said: “This investment will safeguard the independent approach adopted in Northern Ireland to vehicle testing. In addition, the service will be upgraded to include a number of tests already in place in the UK, including a measured smoke test for diesel engines, an emission check for vehicles with catalytic converters and a new headlamp beam test."

The Larne MOT centre at Ballyboley Road is the first Centre to be transformed, commencing on October 29, 2001 for a period of 10-12 weeks. This will allow the existing 30-year old testing equipment to be completely replaced and the test hall to be refurbished. When it re-opens, the Larne centre will have the most up-to-date integrated and computerised vehicle testing system in Europe.

Centre Manager, Harry Nesbitt, welcomed the development, and commented: "When the equipment is installed, customers will enjoy the benefits of reduced waiting times and improved consistency of test.”

He added: "We are really looking forward to the introduction of the new testing equipment, which will help improve customer service even more. The DVTA apologises for any inconvenience experienced as a result of these arrangements but we are confident that customers will find a much improved service following completion of the work."

The upgrade of equipment is part of a complete replacement programme at all 15 DVTA test centres, which will take place over a two-year period.

The new service has been made possible by the government’s Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative. A consortium consisting of local firm Rotary Group Ltd and German company MAHA will provide equipment and maintenance over the 17-year life of the contract, with DVTA continuing to carry out the test. (AMcE)

Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

05 August 2002
Downpatrick MOT centre to close for revamp
The Downpatrick MOT centre at Cloonagh Road is to close as part of a major refurbishment programme in September. Vehicle tests from September 9 and for the following 12-14 weeks will be conducted at other vehicle test centres until the work is completed.
06 March 2002
Minister opens modern MOT centre in Larne
Stormont Minister of the Environment Dermot Nesbitt has unveiled the first of the new state-of-the-art MOT Centres that will serve Northern Ireland in the twenty-first century. Boasting the latest in computerised vehicle testing technology, the Larne Driver Vehicle Test Centre puts Northern Ireland at the forefront of vehicle testing in Europe.
20 May 2003
Nortel Networks sponsors Call Centre Expo 2003 Conference
Nortel Networks is to sponsor the conference to be held at Call Centre Expo 2003, 16-17 September 2003 at the Birmingham NEC, UK.
06 February 2018
Work Begins to Install Wheelchair Accessible Swing At V36
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has announced that work is underway on the installation of the first wheelchair accessible swing, of its kind, in the Borough at V36. Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Paul Hamill commented: "I am delighted to see this exciting new piece of equipment being installed at V36.