MOTORISTS have hit out at confusion over MOT tests on Sundays after many complained they could not book slots.
The Driver and Vehicle Agency released 2,000 Sunday appointments for June 16 and tomorrow to deal with a huge testing backlog.
It has also made hundreds of slots available for June 30 at centres including Balmoral in Belfast, Coleraine in Co Derry, Craigavon in Co Armagh, Larne in Co Antrim and Newbuildings outside Derry.
However, several motorists contacted The Irish News to complain that they still could not book Sunday appointments online.
Others complained that slots were booked up before they were aware they were even available.
An unprecedented increase in applications for tests has seen the DVA increase the number of vehicles it tests to 20,000 every week.
A spokesman for the Department for Infrastructure said it can only release Sunday slots "at short notice when it is confirmed which centres will be open".
"The DVA aims to release these slots every Thursday," he said.
"The number of additional slots released for Sunday June 30 was approximately 650.
"We would encourage customers to book their vehicle test online as soon as they receive a reminder notice."
He said centres have to check if staff are available to work before they can open.
He added that extra Sunday slots are "due to be released in the coming days and weeks".
The spokesman said the testing backlog was exacerbated by customers who did not turn up for their test.
"DVA would ask all customers to attend their pre-booked MOT appointment or, whenever this is not possible, to cancel their appointment to allow others to avail of the slot," he said.
SDLP MLA John Dallat said he is also waiting to book an MOT test.
He said many of his constituents complained of "organised confusion" in the MOT system.
"Many people that are in my office have never broken the law and feel uncomfortable (about driving without an MOT test)," he said.
"We are also dealing with an ageing population of cars which reflects people's prosperity. There are also problems with testing diesel cars."
Bookings, cancellations and change of dates can be made at www.nidirect.gov.uk/mot-change or by calling 0345 247 2471.
They can also call in person at any test centre between 8.45am to 4.00pm (closed 12.30pm - 1.15pm for lunch) on weekdays.
