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25/06/2019
Drivers Urged To Attend MOT Appointments
Drivers in Northern Ireland are being urged to ensure they attend their scheduled MOT appointments in order to clear the backlog for tests.
It comes after a number of test centres opted to open on Sundays to help cut waiting times following complaints that some people were waiting up to 47 days.
SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan had written to the Department for Infrastructure to request a 'grace period' in conjunction with the PSNI to cover those still waiting for an appointment as a direct consequence of the delay.
The DfI rejected this proposal and highlighted that 644 customers failed to attend their appointment in the week 10-16 June. It also confirmed that plans are in place to address the issue.
The Foyle MLA said: "While I am disappointed that DfI have chosen not to consider a 'period of grace' for motorists, the current situation has been somewhat exacerbated by the hundreds of people failing to show up for appointments.
"The unprecedented demand in applications has left many waiting weeks for an appointment- the negative impact on people's lives and livelihoods of these delays could be huge and I pressed upon the Department and DVA, the importance of minimising this impact.
"They have since assured me that measures are in place to tackle the backlog; including the recruitment of additional staff and of preparations currently underway for Sunday appointments throughout July and August.
"Evidently, the Department have taken the required action albeit belated; I only hope it will be sufficient to tackle the backlog head on. The public must now ensure attendance at their scheduled appointments- or if this is not possible, contact DVA beforehand to cancel and free up slots for others."
(JG/CM)
It comes after a number of test centres opted to open on Sundays to help cut waiting times following complaints that some people were waiting up to 47 days.
SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan had written to the Department for Infrastructure to request a 'grace period' in conjunction with the PSNI to cover those still waiting for an appointment as a direct consequence of the delay.
The DfI rejected this proposal and highlighted that 644 customers failed to attend their appointment in the week 10-16 June. It also confirmed that plans are in place to address the issue.
The Foyle MLA said: "While I am disappointed that DfI have chosen not to consider a 'period of grace' for motorists, the current situation has been somewhat exacerbated by the hundreds of people failing to show up for appointments.
"The unprecedented demand in applications has left many waiting weeks for an appointment- the negative impact on people's lives and livelihoods of these delays could be huge and I pressed upon the Department and DVA, the importance of minimising this impact.
"They have since assured me that measures are in place to tackle the backlog; including the recruitment of additional staff and of preparations currently underway for Sunday appointments throughout July and August.
"Evidently, the Department have taken the required action albeit belated; I only hope it will be sufficient to tackle the backlog head on. The public must now ensure attendance at their scheduled appointments- or if this is not possible, contact DVA beforehand to cancel and free up slots for others."
(JG/CM)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
