Plan to clear MOT backlog unveiled

The British government has put in place measures to alleviate the backlog in MOT tests caused by the civil service strike in Northern Ireland, officials said today.

After the Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance confirmed there would be no more strikes at MOT centres during the ongoing pay dispute with the government, Department of the Environment officials moved to reassure the public they were working hard to ensure normal service would resume.

Welcoming NIPSA’s decision, the chief executive of the Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency Stanley Duncan said: “Clearly it will take some time to work through the backlog that has built up over the last three months.

“However, we have put a number of measures in place over the past few weeks to assist customers and help us to focus on those who have been affected the most.”

Mr Duncan said motorists who have applied for MOT tests but have been unable to get them on time would receive certificates of temporary exemption in the post this week.

These last up to six months from the date of issue and enable cars and motorcycles to be driven on the roads without vehicle test certificates over that period of time.

Goods vehicles have also been receiving the certificates since June 3.

The agency, he said, would also be giving priority to tests which are not covered by the certificates.

These include driving tests and vehicle tests for public service vehicles and lorries which cross international borders.

“We will be working with customers to ensure that we meet the most pressing needs first,” Mr Duncan said.

“In the meantime, it would be helpful if customers could ensure that the name and address details held by Driver and Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland in Coleraine are up to date, so that exemption certificates can go to the right addresses.”