DVA and MoT centre at Newbuildings in Derry
The SDLP amendment to a motion on the MOT backlog was passed by MLAs.
Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has said he will explore the proposal.
Said Foyle MLA Mr Durkan: “Anyone who has tried to book an MOT over the past few years will be familiar with the sense of frustration that what should be a simple task often involves.
“My constituency office is regularly contacted by people in a panic who are struggling to get their vehicle booked in and are unsure of the existing rules around testing.
“The proposal from the SDLP Opposition today provides a solution to what is a growing problem for motorists across the North.
“It would provide important time for us to clear the testing backlog which the DVA themselves have referred to as the new normal, it would allow us to open the planned new testing centres, while also safeguarding the jobs of hard-pressed MOT staff who are under huge pressure given the current demand for testing.
“I welcome Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd’s decision to adopt our proposal and we will be holding him to it.
“We need to see a public consultation launched imminently, following on from the SDLP’s call for evidence while in government.
“Given the public’s changing habits around buying new cars and keeping their current vehicle for longer this situation is only going to get worse in the coming years.
“We need to take this opportunity to change the system for the better, helping everyone involved.”
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