NFDA safety warning over Northern Ireland MOT delays

7 November 2024  

Escalating waiting times for MOT tests in Northern Ireland is fuelling safety fears, say car retailers.

Aftermarket reported last May that one-year temporary exemption certificates were coming into effect for some private cars in Northern Ireland in a bid to reduce MOT waiting times.

But the National Franchised Dealers Association-NI (NFDA-NI) has warned the MOT crisis is hitting public and business confidence — at a time when the long-awaited opening of a new £16 million MOT centre could be delayed until mid-2025.

According to the NFDA-NI, testing lanes at the new Hydebank centre need to be rebuilt because of equipment failure.

‘Injury risk’

Figures published earlier this year by the Northern Ireland Department for Infrastructure, which is responsible for the Driver & Vehicle Agency, showed test waiting times were 72 days.

NFDA chief executive Sue Robinson said: “It is clear the introduction of temporary exemption certificates in June is not the policy to address the fundamental issues with the system.

“The persistent, lengthy backlog threatens road safety as prolonged waits for MOT tests only increases the length of vehicle defects developing, risking injury and even death.

“This is also compounded by the fact that more drivers are keeping their vehicle for longer given inflationary pressures associated with the cost-of-living crisis.”

Pictured: Hydebank MOT centre. Photo: Albert Fry Associates