52 new car lifts bought for crisis hit MOT centres
New lifts will set the DVA back 1.8 million pounds
Last updated 5th Mar 2020
The Department for Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced the purchase of new car vehicle lifts for all Driver and Vehicle Agency MOT centres across Northern Ireland.
The 52 new lifts will be installed between April and mid-July and are part of several measures the Minister has taken to resolve the test centre situation.
Earlier this year MOT centres for cars and light vehicles in Northern Ireland were suspended after issues were raised with lift equipment.
All lifts that were identified as having faults are now set to be replaced, rather than fixed, following the recommendations of an independent review, which was requested by the Infrastructure Minister.
It will cost 1.8 million pounds to replace all 52 faulty lifts.
Mrs Mallon says the money will come from the DVA’s existing reserves, she said:
“My priority has and remains the safety of DVA staff and customers.
“I have also been examining all of the options to resume normal business as quickly and safely as possible, including the commissioning of two independent reviews to provide me with expert advice on the condition of the existing lifts and the events that led to this situation and how it can be avoided in future.
“I have now been given the first report from the independent engineering expert’s assessment on the condition of the existing lifts.
“It has recommended that all lifts with faults identified should be replaced, not repaired.
“The second audit investigation report has not been completed; however, it has highlighted that there are no issues with the purchasing of this equipment from the existing supplier.
“It is clear an inadequate inspection regime and metal fatigue led to this situation.”
Following the results of the review Mrs Mallon has instructed officials to implement an improved equipment replacement cycle and a regular robust inspection.
Temporary exemption certificates will continue to be issued to customers who have had their appointments cancelled until the lifts are operational again.
Drivers can continue to drive their cars and are set to receive a full booking fee refund.
Instructions for owners of four-year-old vehicles, taxis and car dealerships remains the same.
The department says the priority vehicle contact line will continue to operate to make it easier for owners to contact the DVA for an urgent appointment.
She added: “I appreciate that this has been a difficult time for both customers and staff, and the DVA sincerely apologises to all those affected.
“I will continue to keep this matter under review and as the position changes and the new lifts become operational, I will ensure the public are fully informed.
“Road safety is a priority for me, and I want to remind drivers they have a responsibility to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy at all times."