MOTs suspended with immediate effect
Test centres across Northern Ireland have been suspended with immediate effect due to defective lifts.
Drivers across Northern Ireland have been issued with four-month MOT exemption certificates so they can drive while the test centres are suspended.
A previous inspection of vehicle lifts in Northern Ireland test centres revealed signs of cracking in 48 of 55 lifts. When a recent inspection was carried out to examine the repair work, the inspector was unhappy with the work and the lifts were deemed unsafe to use.
Paul Duffy, chief executive of the Driver and Vehicle Agency, has said each lift could cost between £30,000 and £40,000 to replace.
The test suspension affects drivers of cars and light goods vehicles only; heavy goods vehicles and buses can still be tested.
A spokesman from Admiral Car Insurance said: “While not having a MOT won’t invalidate your insurance with Admiral, we do have a condition that requires a vehicle must be kept in a roadworthy condition. We’d advise anyone affected to keep hold of the exemption certificate for as long as possible.
“The relevant people in our Claims department are aware of the situation in Northern Ireland and will take it into account on a case by case basis when dealing with any claims.
“If you need to make a claim during this period, we may ask to see your exemption certificate.
"We’ll also make sure we’re up to date with any new advice or updates from the authorities in Northern Ireland.”
Test centre opening hours will be extended to increase capacity so taxis and four-year-old vehicles with imminent expiry dates.
For more information visit the NI Government website.
