NFDA urges swift MOT action in Northern Ireland
The National Franchised Dealers Association Northern Ireland (NFDA-NI) has urged swift action on the MOT backlog with average waiting times for a test up to 72 days.
The MOT testing regime in Northern Ireland is still struggling to recover from disruptions caused by Covid-19 lockdowns, which extended an already existing backlog, and from defective vehicle lift equipment which was found in almost all MOT testing centres across the region in late 2019, leading to tests being suspended.
The crisis is also causing negative impacts across the region’s car dealer network, delaying used car vehicle sales and increasing labour costs associated with securing timely MOT appointments.
NFDA chief executive Sue Robinson, which represents car and commercial retailers across the UK said: “The situation is dire and continues to negatively impact consumers and dealers in equal measure. 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.”
Robinson added:
“Public confidence in the current system has reached rock bottom and we urge the government to act more quickly in reversing this longstanding backlog and improve public and business confidence in the MOT process
