Northern Ireland

MOT helpline set up amid ongoing issues at test centres

The DVA said a priority vehicle contact line had been opened. Picture by Liam McBurney/PA
The DVA said a priority vehicle contact line had been opened. Picture by Liam McBurney/PA The DVA said a priority vehicle contact line had been opened. Picture by Liam McBurney/PA

AN MOT helpline has been set up amid the ongoing issues affecting lift equipment at test centres.

The Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) yesterday said a priority vehicle contact line had been opened for use by three priority vehicles groups which include four-year-old cars due their first MoT, taxis and car dealerships.

It also revealed that three-year-old light goods vehicles will get automatic temporary exemptions certificates.

It comes after MOT tests for cars and light vehicles were suspended last month amid concerns over lift equipment. Cracks in vehicle lifts were first detected in November but the problem rapidly escalated.

Paul Duffy from the DVA said: "DVA is continuing to work to contact priority vehicle owners as quickly as possible, however, we do not have contact details for all of these customers.

"We are therefore asking anyone with a four year old car due its first MOT, taxis and local car dealerships with vehicles due a test within the next two weeks to contact us on 0300 2007862, so we can move your appointment forward.

"Please state clearly when the vehicle test is due and have your booking reference to hand.

"This line will continue to be open to all relevant customers within the priority groups who need an urgent appointment within two weeks from the time of the call.

"DVA can only bring an appointment forward after a booking has been made on the system, so it is essential that customers continue to make a booking when they get a reminder letter."

The DVA said two new vehicle lifts are now operational in Belfast and Newbuildings, "increasing capacity at these sites", while three existing lifts in Belfast and Lisburn have been "independently inspected and are back in operational use".

Infrastructure minister Nichola Mallon launched two independent reviews into the matter and the DVA said last night that "an initial report in relation to the status of existing vehicle lifts and any repair work necessary is due shortly".

It also reminded owners of cars of five years and older whose tests have been cancelled that they will automatically receive a temporary exemption certificate (TEC) allowing them to continue to drive and tax their vehicle.

Testing of heavy goods vehicles, buses, motorcycles and re-tests remains unaffected by the current disruption.

The DVA's helpline operates Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and can be contacted on 0300 200 7862.