Temporary MOT exemptions being considered to address the testing backlog in Northern Ireland could be valid for a year, the Infrastructure Minister has said. John O’Dowd also said while a move to biennial testing in the region may ultimately be required, he highlighted that the police, as well as the motor and insurance industries, were opposed to moving away from the need for annual MOTs. Mr O’Dowd was giving evidence to his Assembly scrutiny committee on Wednesday.
During the session at Parliament Buildings he was questioned on spiralling MOT waiting times that have left many motorists facing delays of several months before they secure a test. Read more: MOT frustration boils over as 72-day wait time becomes "new normal" The chief executive of the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) Jeremy Logan recently said a 72-day wait for a test is the new normal. Mr O’Dowd announced a number of measures designed to tackle the backlog in the Assembly on Monday and said several other options were being considered, such as temporary exemption certificate