NFDA-NI and PACTS call for urgent MOT action
The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) and the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) have again urged action on the MOT backlog in Northern Ireland.
They believe delays and exemptions going back years are resulting in knock-on safety concerns which must be urgently addressed.
The NFDA-NI and PACTS called for action in a joint letter to Northern Ireland’s Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd earlier this year. They are now repeating their call after temporary exemption certificates (TEC) issued to some private cars between 2017 and 2020 came into effect in June, meaning they will be automatically processed by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA).
Sue Robinson, chief executive of the NFDA, said: “With Stormont returning from Summer Recess at the start of September, NFDA-NI remains steadfast in its campaign to address the ongoing issues with the MOT regime in the region. Last week, we sent a joint letter with PACTS to the Infrastructure Minister, reiterating our invitation to discuss dealer concerns with the flawed MOT regime and the detrimental impact this is having on road safety.”
NFDA-NI
She continued: “NFDA-NI has consistently opposed the introduction of TECs and was disappointed to see them implemented in June of this year. TECs fail to address the core capacity issue and will do little to tackle the chronic delays plaguing the MOT system.
“NFDA-NI urges the Minister to engage in discussions about alternative solutions and collaborate with industry stakeholders to address this urgent issue and reverse the concerning trends in road safety in the region. Northern Ireland deserves an MOT regime that is fit for use throughout the province, and the current model is not effectively working for either motorists or the dealer network.”
Jamie Hassall, executive director of PACTs, added:
“MOTs play an important role in ensuring cars are kept well maintained and key safety features are working for the safety of the driver, passengers, and other road users. Any delay to having an MOT means a higher percentage on vehicles will be on the roads with serious defects increasing the risk of a serious incidents.”
