Menu
12/08/2004
Vehicle test centres back on line as staff return to work
The DoE Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency (DVTA) have welcomed a return to work by staff.
The strike by members of the Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance (NIPSA) has been affecting MOTs and driving tests since mid May this year, but the union announced yesterday that staff are to return to work.
DVTA Chief Executive Stanley Duncan said: "I very much welcome the return to work. We will be working hard to ensure that normal vehicle and driver testing operations are restored as soon as possible. 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."
Under special arrangements introduced following the industrial action, certificates of temporary exemption were made available for goods vehicles on June 3, 2004, but it required the introduction of emergency legislation to enact similar arrangements for cars and motorcycles.
Customers who have applied for tests but who have been unable to get them on time due to the industrial action will be issued with certificates via post this week. These will allow cars and motorcycles to be driven on the road without a vehicle test certificates. These certificates can last for up to six months from the date of issue.
"This measure will help to alleviate the concerns of customers. Of course, exemption certificates don’t alter the responsibility of motorists for ensuring that their vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and that they meet all other statutory requirements," warned Mr Duncan.
The Agency will be give priority to tests which are not covered by the arrangements for exemption certificates. These include driving tests and vehicle tests for public service vehicles and lorries used on international journeys.
Certificates of temporary exemption may be used in place of vehicle test certificates when applying for vehicle excise licences (motor tax) in Northern Ireland. Elsewhere in the United Kingdom they are acceptable only for driving vehicles on the road.
Customers are reminded that once a certificate of temporary exemption has been issued, a vehicle used or kept on a public road must be licensed back to the expiry date of the last licence in order to avoid any enforcement action by DVLNI for non-payment of vehicle excise duty (VED). Details of where to licence can be found at DVLNI website www.dvlni.gov.uk
Customers seeking advice should contact the DVTA customer information line on 0845 601 4094.
(SP)
The strike by members of the Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance (NIPSA) has been affecting MOTs and driving tests since mid May this year, but the union announced yesterday that staff are to return to work.
DVTA Chief Executive Stanley Duncan said: "I very much welcome the return to work. We will be working hard to ensure that normal vehicle and driver testing operations are restored as soon as possible. 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."
Under special arrangements introduced following the industrial action, certificates of temporary exemption were made available for goods vehicles on June 3, 2004, but it required the introduction of emergency legislation to enact similar arrangements for cars and motorcycles.
Customers who have applied for tests but who have been unable to get them on time due to the industrial action will be issued with certificates via post this week. These will allow cars and motorcycles to be driven on the road without a vehicle test certificates. These certificates can last for up to six months from the date of issue.
"This measure will help to alleviate the concerns of customers. Of course, exemption certificates don’t alter the responsibility of motorists for ensuring that their vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and that they meet all other statutory requirements," warned Mr Duncan.
The Agency will be give priority to tests which are not covered by the arrangements for exemption certificates. These include driving tests and vehicle tests for public service vehicles and lorries used on international journeys.
Certificates of temporary exemption may be used in place of vehicle test certificates when applying for vehicle excise licences (motor tax) in Northern Ireland. Elsewhere in the United Kingdom they are acceptable only for driving vehicles on the road.
Customers are reminded that once a certificate of temporary exemption has been issued, a vehicle used or kept on a public road must be licensed back to the expiry date of the last licence in order to avoid any enforcement action by DVLNI for non-payment of vehicle excise duty (VED). Details of where to licence can be found at DVLNI website www.dvlni.gov.uk
Customers seeking advice should contact the DVTA customer information line on 0845 601 4094.
(SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 January 2005
DVTA issues mock vehicle test certificates warning
The Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency (DVTA) has warned customers to be on the lookout for invalid vehicle test certificates which might easily be confused with MOTs. The certificates are being issued by a private individual and are headed ‘Vehicle Obligatory Safety Test’, or ‘VOST’. They include a disc similar in format to those issued for an MOT.
DVTA issues mock vehicle test certificates warning
The Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency (DVTA) has warned customers to be on the lookout for invalid vehicle test certificates which might easily be confused with MOTs. The certificates are being issued by a private individual and are headed ‘Vehicle Obligatory Safety Test’, or ‘VOST’. They include a disc similar in format to those issued for an MOT.
14 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Belfast's St George's Market Hosts Festive Christmas Twilight Market Get ready for some festive cheer! St George's Market in Belfast is hosting its annual Christmas Twilight Market on Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th November from 4pm to 11pm. The market will be transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and a lively atmosphere.
Other News In Brief
Belfast's St George's Market Hosts Festive Christmas Twilight Market Get ready for some festive cheer! St George's Market in Belfast is hosting its annual Christmas Twilight Market on Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th November from 4pm to 11pm. The market will be transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and a lively atmosphere.
21 November 2024
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
14 November 2024
Ministers Recognise Work Of US Special Envoy Joe Kennedy
The First Minister and deputy First Minister has thanked U.S. Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs, Joe Kennedy III, for his contribution to furthering economic links with the U.S. The Special Envoy is in Belfast for a series of events marking his term in office.
Ministers Recognise Work Of US Special Envoy Joe Kennedy
The First Minister and deputy First Minister has thanked U.S. Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs, Joe Kennedy III, for his contribution to furthering economic links with the U.S. The Special Envoy is in Belfast for a series of events marking his term in office.
16 September 2002
Larne test centre receives top quality award
Management and staff of the Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency’s Larne Test Centre have received a top award in recognition of their achievements from Environment Minister Dermot Nesbitt today.
Larne test centre receives top quality award
Management and staff of the Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency’s Larne Test Centre have received a top award in recognition of their achievements from Environment Minister Dermot Nesbitt today.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
