Other News In Brief

PSNI Provide Clarity Over MoT Situation

The PSNI has issued advice to motorists amid the ongoing MoT test suspensions due to faulty vehicle lifts.

It's reported that over 10,000 tests were cancelled this week.

The Department for Infrastructure has facilitated a process of exemptions for those with expired MoTs, providing the car is not a taxi or four years-old and in need of its first MoT.

Public anxiety has grown, however, around the issue of taxing vehicles without a valid MoT certificate.

Inspector Rosie Leech of the PSNI's Road Policing unit said officers are advised to operate with discretion over the coming weeks and months.

"Given these exceptional circumstances, where the PSNI detects a vehicle without a valid MoT certificate, and providing the vehicle appears to be in a roadworthy condition, officers will be encouraged to exercise discretion," Inspector Leech said.

"The DVA are working to contact all owners of four year-old cars to book them for MoT tests in the coming days. Priority is being given to those with MoTs that have expired, or expire today, so motorists can proceed to tax their vehicles.

"Driving without vehicle tax is not prosecuted by the PSNI, and it falls instead within the remit of the DVLA. Where a police officer encounters a vehicle without tax, and it is outside of the 14-day grace period provided within the legislation, referral is made to the DVLA.

"It is for the DVLA to determine whether they will take action in such cases.

"This is a fluid situation.

"If there is any change in our state of position we will advise you just as soon as possible."

The Department for Infrastructure commissioned two separate reviews into the events that led to the current crisis.

Camelphat Belfast Gig Announced

Tickets will go on sale tomorrow for Camelphat's return to Belfast.

The DJ and producer duo will play a huge outdoor gig at Custom House Square on Friday 26 August.

It follows their sold out show at The Telegraph building last year.

Tickets are available from 9am on Friday 31 January from ticketmaster outlets nationwide and online.

Disappointment Over Decision On Illegal L'Derry Landfill

A decision not to hold a public inquiry into a huge illegal landfill site on the outskirts of L'Derry has been met with major criticism.

This comes after the Assembly voted unanimously in favour of a public inquiry back in 2014.

DAERA Minister Edwin Poots has been urged to reverse his decision.

Former Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said: "It is estimated that almost 1 million tons of waste has been illegally dumped at Mobuoy and the decision by the Minister not to hold a public inquiry into how this happened is disappointing. There is widespread public concern here in Derry and further afield as to how such a large amount of waste was dumped here illegally.

"There are so many lessons that can be learned by what happened at Mobuoy and I believe a public inquiry is the only way we will ever know the full extent of what was dumped at the site and how much of it there actually is."

SDLP Councillor for Ballyarnett DEA, Brian Tierney, who also Chairs the local Councils Environment and Regeneration committee, also added his voice to the chorus of disappointment.

"In 2014 the Assembly voted unanimously in favour of a public inquiry as did Derry City and Strabane District council," he commented.

"The Minister needs to urgently reverse this decision and get proceedings underway for a full public inquiry into what went in at Mobuoy."



(JG/MH)