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29/06/2022
MOT Waiting Times A 'Complete Shambles'
The current MOT waiting times in Northern Ireland has been described as a "complete shambles", Alliance Infrastructure spokesperson Andrew Muir MLA has said.
The North Down MLA said he was still being contacted regularly by those struggling to get an MOT before their certificate expires, with many having to wait up to five months for an available test. Earlier this year, the previous Infrastructure Minister stated her Department would consider extending the reminder letter notification period for those awaiting their MOTs, however, no action has followed.
"Each week I am contacted by individuals who are struggling to obtain an appointment for their MOT, being forced to travel miles upon miles to a test centre not local to them or being left unable to drive as their insurance provider won’t cover them without a valid MOT," said Mr Muir.
"This is not a new problem. We have seen these problems occurring since the test centres reopened following the first lockdown back in 2020 and it is incredibly frustrating more is not being done by the Minister to tackle the issue.
"This is now a complete shambles. I will continue to press the issue with the Minister and request he acts to extend the reminder letter notification period for those awaiting their MOTs. It is hoped this will give drivers ample time to book their tests and, together with a concerted plan to ensure test centres are fully resourced, play a significant role in alleviating this problem."
The North Down MLA said he was still being contacted regularly by those struggling to get an MOT before their certificate expires, with many having to wait up to five months for an available test. Earlier this year, the previous Infrastructure Minister stated her Department would consider extending the reminder letter notification period for those awaiting their MOTs, however, no action has followed.
"Each week I am contacted by individuals who are struggling to obtain an appointment for their MOT, being forced to travel miles upon miles to a test centre not local to them or being left unable to drive as their insurance provider won’t cover them without a valid MOT," said Mr Muir.
"This is not a new problem. We have seen these problems occurring since the test centres reopened following the first lockdown back in 2020 and it is incredibly frustrating more is not being done by the Minister to tackle the issue.
"This is now a complete shambles. I will continue to press the issue with the Minister and request he acts to extend the reminder letter notification period for those awaiting their MOTs. It is hoped this will give drivers ample time to book their tests and, together with a concerted plan to ensure test centres are fully resourced, play a significant role in alleviating this problem."
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A few fog patches at first, soon clearing to leave a dry day with some patchy cloud and good sunny spells. Light and variable winds. Feeling mild in sunny spells. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:Dry and quite chilly overnight under prolonged clear spells and light winds. This will allow a few fog patches to develop in places. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
