Coronavirus: Suspension of MOT testing for ‘some time to come’, says Minister

MINISTER for Infrastructure Nicola Mallon says the suspension of MOT testing of vehicles will last for “some time to come”.

Speaking at Stromont, the SDLP deputy leader said that on the issue of MOT testing her “department has worked hard to find a range of solutions for all type of vehicles”.

In January, cracks were found lifts at MOT test centres across the North of Ireland, including the test centre at Newbuildings in Derry.

Ms Mallon said MOT lifts will be replaced “by the start of July, unless MOT centres are needed for Covid-19 testing”.

She added that temporary exemption certificates (TEC’s) have “been effective in keeping people on the road and ensuring vehicles can be taxed” but says she understands some are “coming to end and will need to be reviewed”.

The minister said: “Covid-19 restrictions are likely to result in the suspension of most, if not all, MOT services for some time to come.

“When the test centres reopen there will not be the capacity to test all cars that have missed out.”

Ms Mallon explained that the DVA will continue to issue TECs to a variety of vehicles “until their normal MOT date exception for one year, which will bring it back into the system when there is capacity to test it”.

She added that the PSNI, DVA road-side enforcement and British insurers are aware of the situation and emphasises that these are “temporary arrangements” and that drivers in the meantime “should maintain vehicles to appropriate standard”.

Tags: