McNulty welcomes MOT test temporary exemptions

Temporary exemption certificates are to be issued for thousands of cars in a bid to ease the MOT backlog. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Newry & Armagh MLA Justin McNulty has welcomed steps to address significant MOT test waiting times across the North.

The Department for Infrastructure has announced that one-year temporary exemption certificates (TECSs) will be implemented for private cars first registered between 1 June 2019 and 31 May 2020 or between 1 June 2017 and 31 May 2018, with an existing valid MOT certificate.

Mr. McNulty said: “Following our calls for the Minister to consider introducing biennial testing, he has introduced temporary exemptions that effectively do that. This provision was made during the pandemic and worked well taking pressure off the system.

“Motorists across the North have been left frustrated around significant delays in MOT test appointments, the current waiting time of 72 days simply isn’t good enough. Today’s announcement is welcome and will relieve pressure for now but there must be proper consideration of longer term actions in order to streamline the process.

“It’s my understanding that DVA have consulted both the PSNI and Association of British Insurers (ABI) around these changes and the need for them. However, it’s important to note that this does not make motorists exempt from ensuring their vehicles are roadworthy.

“I remain hopeful that this move will provide a much needed pressure release valve for the DVA, staff and motorists.”