27/01/2020
Drivers Granted Exemptions Amid MOT Delays
Motorists facing cancelled MOT tests amid ongoing repair works are to be granted temporary exemptions.
It comes as hundreds of vehicle test appointments have been cancelled after issues with vehicle lifts were identified last week.
As the repairs take longer than expected, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said those with expired MOTs will be given temporary exemption certificates (TECs).
The measure will extend a vehicle's MOT by four months, backdated from 20 January. Taxis and 4 year-old cars will not be eligible however appointments for these vehicles will be prioritised.
Minister Mallon said: "The health and safety of staff and customers remains my priority and while the DVA has been working to address issues with its vehicle lifts as quickly as possible, it is clear that the inspections and repairs are taking longer than initially expected and causing disruption to customers.
"The exemptions will allow motorists to continue to go about their daily lives without further disruption. Vehicle owners will be sent a reminder notice for the new expiry date well in advance, so a new free test can be booked.
"I am aware that some customers are attending for tests and are being turned away. At this time, the DVA is seeking to prioritise tests for those customers whose MOT is about to expire or requiring a retest to get their vehicle back on the road. However, the DVA is continuing to contact customers to cancel tests where necessary and where contact details are available. I have instructed the DVA to ensure that every effort is made to reach customers including by direct contact and through media forums."
Drivers will receive their new test at no extra cost.
Ms Mallon said she plans to put measures in place to prevent the issue from arising again.
Motorists are advised to attend their MOT test as normal unless they have been informed of a cancellation.
The SDLP MLA added: "It is the responsibility of the vehicle owner to ensure their vehicle is in a roadworthy condition to be used on a public road. Tests are ongoing at all test centres and additional slots at weekends are being made available.
"Motorists should continue to book an MOT appointment when they receive their reminder letter. This will ensure they can be issued with a TEC should the DVA need to cancel the appointment. The DVA may call the vehicle for testing earlier than the new expiry date in order to manage demand.
"The DVA sincerely apologises for the impact on its customers. The health and safety of customers and staff remains my top priority, while ensuring every effort is made to minimise disruption."
(JG/CM)
It comes as hundreds of vehicle test appointments have been cancelled after issues with vehicle lifts were identified last week.
As the repairs take longer than expected, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said those with expired MOTs will be given temporary exemption certificates (TECs).
The measure will extend a vehicle's MOT by four months, backdated from 20 January. Taxis and 4 year-old cars will not be eligible however appointments for these vehicles will be prioritised.
Minister Mallon said: "The health and safety of staff and customers remains my priority and while the DVA has been working to address issues with its vehicle lifts as quickly as possible, it is clear that the inspections and repairs are taking longer than initially expected and causing disruption to customers.
"The exemptions will allow motorists to continue to go about their daily lives without further disruption. Vehicle owners will be sent a reminder notice for the new expiry date well in advance, so a new free test can be booked.
"I am aware that some customers are attending for tests and are being turned away. At this time, the DVA is seeking to prioritise tests for those customers whose MOT is about to expire or requiring a retest to get their vehicle back on the road. However, the DVA is continuing to contact customers to cancel tests where necessary and where contact details are available. I have instructed the DVA to ensure that every effort is made to reach customers including by direct contact and through media forums."
Drivers will receive their new test at no extra cost.
Ms Mallon said she plans to put measures in place to prevent the issue from arising again.
Motorists are advised to attend their MOT test as normal unless they have been informed of a cancellation.
The SDLP MLA added: "It is the responsibility of the vehicle owner to ensure their vehicle is in a roadworthy condition to be used on a public road. Tests are ongoing at all test centres and additional slots at weekends are being made available.
"Motorists should continue to book an MOT appointment when they receive their reminder letter. This will ensure they can be issued with a TEC should the DVA need to cancel the appointment. The DVA may call the vehicle for testing earlier than the new expiry date in order to manage demand.
"The DVA sincerely apologises for the impact on its customers. The health and safety of customers and staff remains my top priority, while ensuring every effort is made to minimise disruption."
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 February 2024
NI Fastest Growing UK Region For New Companies
Northern Ireland was the fastest-growing region of the UK for newly registered companies in 2023, according to a new index from Ulster Bank and Beauhurst. The New Startup Index highlights how in 2023 Northern Ireland gained 14,000 new companies, a 59% increase on 2022.
NI Fastest Growing UK Region For New Companies
Northern Ireland was the fastest-growing region of the UK for newly registered companies in 2023, according to a new index from Ulster Bank and Beauhurst. The New Startup Index highlights how in 2023 Northern Ireland gained 14,000 new companies, a 59% increase on 2022.
13 March 2024
SDLP Launches Petition For Restoration Of Integrated Schools Funding
The SDLP has launched a petition calling for the restoration of funding for new buildings at ten integrated schools across NI. The petition follows the recent announcement of the withdrawal of this funding as part of the financial package agreed between Executive parties and the UK Government.
SDLP Launches Petition For Restoration Of Integrated Schools Funding
The SDLP has launched a petition calling for the restoration of funding for new buildings at ten integrated schools across NI. The petition follows the recent announcement of the withdrawal of this funding as part of the financial package agreed between Executive parties and the UK Government.
01 February 2024
Belfast International Airport Serves 5.9m Passengers In 2023
Latest figures show that 2023 was a successful year for Belfast International Airport as it served 5.9 million passengers. Annual traffic results published by VINCI Airports show that there were almost 50,000 total aircraft movements at Belfast International in 2023, which is an increase of 23 per cent on 2022 figures.
Belfast International Airport Serves 5.9m Passengers In 2023
Latest figures show that 2023 was a successful year for Belfast International Airport as it served 5.9 million passengers. Annual traffic results published by VINCI Airports show that there were almost 50,000 total aircraft movements at Belfast International in 2023, which is an increase of 23 per cent on 2022 figures.
31 January 2024
NI Grassroot Sports Facilities To Benefit From £5.66m Fund
The UK Government and the Irish FA have announced that 17 projects across NI will benefit from a £5.66 million fund aimed at boosting grassroots sports facilities. The projects will receive funding for 3G artificial grass pitches, with 12 projects receiving money to install new floodlights.
NI Grassroot Sports Facilities To Benefit From £5.66m Fund
The UK Government and the Irish FA have announced that 17 projects across NI will benefit from a £5.66 million fund aimed at boosting grassroots sports facilities. The projects will receive funding for 3G artificial grass pitches, with 12 projects receiving money to install new floodlights.
14 February 2024
Former City Centre Police Station To Become New 74-Bedroom Hotel
A former police station in Belfast city centre is to be redeveloped for a new 74-bedroom hotel. Belfast City Council's Planning Committee approved the development on Queen Street, along with granting Listed Building Consent to bring the building into use again.
Former City Centre Police Station To Become New 74-Bedroom Hotel
A former police station in Belfast city centre is to be redeveloped for a new 74-bedroom hotel. Belfast City Council's Planning Committee approved the development on Queen Street, along with granting Listed Building Consent to bring the building into use again.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mainly dry this morning with sunny spells then scattered showers breaking out this afternoon. A chilly start then feeling warmer in afternoon sunshine. Light southerly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Any showers at first soon dying out. Then dry overnight with clear periods and turning chilly with a touch of frost later tonight. Minimum temperature 1 °C.