MOT backlog shows it’s getting harder and harder for public to keep cars on the road: Beggs

A UUP MLA has pointed to a growing backlog in MOT applications, saying that it shows “it’s increasingly difficult for the public to keep their cars on the road”.
By Adam Kula
Published 21st Nov 2021, 17:29 BST
Updated 21st Nov 2021, 18:38 BST
Figures show that despite testing more cars each month, the MOT service is still a long way from keeping pace with the applicationsFigures show that despite testing more cars each month, the MOT service is still a long way from keeping pace with the applications
Figures show that despite testing more cars each month, the MOT service is still a long way from keeping pace with the applications

Roy Beggs has demanded action over the figures, which reveal that in recent months the number of applications for a full test has shot up compared with earlier in the year.

They also show that, despite testing more cars each month, the service is still a long way from keeping pace with the applications.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Hard working DVA testers are carrying out additional shifts during the evenings and at weekends, but still cannot meet demand,” said East Antrim MLA Mr Beggs.

Roy Beggs of East AntrimRoy Beggs of East Antrim
Roy Beggs of East Antrim

“Additional testing capacity is urgently needed.”

He also said the infrastructure minister Nichola Mallon (SDLP) should focus on issuing exemptions from MOT tests, to prevent motorists who cannot get a test done being prosecuted.

The raw figures from the NI Statistics nd Research Agency are as follows.

Test applications:

~ May: 47,931

~ June: 52,086

~ July: 57,393

~ August: 81,227

~ September: 93,653

~ October: 95,555

These applications now far outstrip the number of tests.

Tests completed:

~ May: 48,378

~ June: 44,697

~ July: 42,261

~ August: 60,680

~ September: 57,227

~ October: 73,554

__________________________

__________________________

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

With the coronavirus lockdowns having had a major impact on many of our advertisers — and consequently the revenue we receive — we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Ireland and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Visit

https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions

now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Ben Lowry, Editor

Related topics:Roy BeggsMOTNichola MallonBen LowryEast Antrim