Following the inability of customers to be able to book MOT tests, Roy Beggs MLA, member of the Assembly’s Infrastructure Committee, has continued to press the Minister and officials to ramp up MOT testing capacity or offer further MOT extensions to meet demand from customers.
East Antrim UUP MLA Roy Beggs said:
“I was shocked to be advised that no tests were available to book before the end of October. An MOT test is a service that customers pay for and an absence of an MOT can cause difficulties in getting to work, taking children to school and for local businesses. It adversely affects the rural community in particular. The DVA does not require additional public funds as it is a self-financing service, paid by drivers. If DVA cannot adequately meet the needs of local drivers or businesses, the use of the private sector must now be considered.
“I have written to Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA, outlining local problems that have been brought to my attention. One such example was when one person tried to book MOTs for 3 SORNED vehicles, only to be told that no slots were available until the end of October and that it was not possible to book beyond that date.
“Aside from local businesses, the inability to get timely MOT tests is adversely affecting the driving public. I noticed today that there is now even a waiting list to get on the website. I have therefore asked the Minister directly what actions she plans to take to deal with the backlog that is adversely affecting the public.”