Three further lifts operational at MOT centres as staff work to clear backlog

By Rebecca Black, PA

A further three vehicle lifts are now operational at MOT test centres in Northern Ireland as efforts are under way to reduce a backlog.

MOT tests for cars and light vehicles were suspended earlier this week following concerns over lift equipment.

Paul Duffy, chief executive of the Driver and Vehicle Agency, said the three lifts - two in Lisburn and one in Belfast - came into operation on Friday after being cleared for use.

"These lifts are now operational and provide much-needed additional capacity for prioritising four-year-old cars, taxis and car dealerships," he said.

"In addition, earlier this week infrastructure minister Nichola Mallon announced that two new lifts are being installed to provide additional capacity - one in Balmoral Road, Belfast, and one in Newbuildings, Derry.

"It is anticipated that the new lift in Belfast will become operational over the weekend, with the new lift in Newbuildings, Derry, operational from Monday.

"These lifts will be independently inspected and checked before becoming operational."

Mr Duffy said those with MOT expiry dates in the coming days are being prioritised.

Test centres in Ballymena, Belfast, Coleraine, Craigavon, Larne, Lisburn, Omagh, Newry and Newtownards will be open on Sunday as part of an effort to get priority customers tested and back on the road as soon as possible.

Testing of heavy goods vehicles, buses and motorcycles remains unaffected by the current disruption.

Cracks in vehicle lifts were first detected in November but the problem rapidly escalated this month.

Mr Duffy ordered the halting of tests for cars and light vehicles on Monday after failing to receive adequate assurances about repairs.

On Tuesday, Ms Mallon revealed she had ordered two independent reviews into how the situation came about, describing it as "not acceptable".