05/08/2002
Downpatrick MOT centre to close for revamp
The Downpatrick MOT centre at Cloonagh Road is to close as part of a major refurbishment programme in September.
Vehicle tests from September 9 and for the following 12-14 weeks will be conducted at other vehicle test centres until the work is completed.
A DOE spokesperson said: "The closure is to allow the testing equipment in Downpatrick, which is now 30 years old, to be completely replaced and the test hall refurbished. When it re-opens, Downpatrick Centre will have the most up-to-date vehicle testing system in Europe; an integrated, computerised testing system. It is really the second generation of testing; now known as MOT2."
The upgrade of equipment is part of a complete replacement programme at all 15 DVTA (Driver and Vehicle Test Agency) test centres throughout the Province, which is taking place over a two-year period.
Work has been completed at Larne, Lisburn, Coleraine and Armagh Test Centres, while the Ballymena Centre is expected to reopen at the end of July. Enniskillen and Belfast Centres are currently closed for refurbishment.
The spokesperson confirmed that arrangements were in place to accommodate Downpatrick customers needing an MOT or other vehicle test during the closure period.
Customers can either use the Lisburn, Newtownards, or Newry centres or any other DVTA centre that is more convenient. Details can be found on the Agency’s website at www.Mot2-ni.gov.uk
Information leaflets are being delivered to all households in the Downpatrick area. A help-line (0845 6014094) is also available to provide up-to-the-minute information about closures and waiting times at alternative centres.
The DVTA apologised for any inconvenience experienced but said it was "confident" that the public will find a much improved service following completion of the work.
Driving Tests will not be affected and will continue to be booked and carried out at the Downpatrick Centre.
(SP)
Vehicle tests from September 9 and for the following 12-14 weeks will be conducted at other vehicle test centres until the work is completed.
A DOE spokesperson said: "The closure is to allow the testing equipment in Downpatrick, which is now 30 years old, to be completely replaced and the test hall refurbished. When it re-opens, Downpatrick Centre will have the most up-to-date vehicle testing system in Europe; an integrated, computerised testing system. It is really the second generation of testing; now known as MOT2."
The upgrade of equipment is part of a complete replacement programme at all 15 DVTA (Driver and Vehicle Test Agency) test centres throughout the Province, which is taking place over a two-year period.
Work has been completed at Larne, Lisburn, Coleraine and Armagh Test Centres, while the Ballymena Centre is expected to reopen at the end of July. Enniskillen and Belfast Centres are currently closed for refurbishment.
The spokesperson confirmed that arrangements were in place to accommodate Downpatrick customers needing an MOT or other vehicle test during the closure period.
Customers can either use the Lisburn, Newtownards, or Newry centres or any other DVTA centre that is more convenient. Details can be found on the Agency’s website at www.Mot2-ni.gov.uk
Information leaflets are being delivered to all households in the Downpatrick area. A help-line (0845 6014094) is also available to provide up-to-the-minute information about closures and waiting times at alternative centres.
The DVTA apologised for any inconvenience experienced but said it was "confident" that the public will find a much improved service following completion of the work.
Driving Tests will not be affected and will continue to be booked and carried out at the Downpatrick Centre.
(SP)
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