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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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The DUP has called on Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd to "get a grip of the MoT backlog". DUP South Down MLA Diane Forsythe was speaking after she received a reply from the DVA which failed to outline a realistic plan to address the fiasco of trying to get an MoT.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
