The National Franchised Dealers Association NI branch says the MOT crisis is impacting public and business confidence
Northern Ireland 's largest car retailers called on the Department for Infrastructure to accelerate its efforts to reverse the MOT backlog which they say is impacting public and business confidence amid concerns about road safety.
NFDA Chief Executive Sue Robinson, representing car and commercial retailers across the UK, said: “The situation is dire and continues to negatively impact consumers and dealers in equal measure. The persistent, lengthy backlog threatens road safety as prolonged waits for MOT tests only increases the length of vehicle defects developing, risking injury and even death.
The NFDA-NI said the MOT crisis was also causing negative impacts across NI's car dealer network, delaying used car vehicle sales and increasing labour costs associated with securing timely MOT appointments. The association said the challenges were further compounded by confirmation last month from Stormont's Infrastructure Committee that the testing lanes at the new Hydebank MOT Centre will require reconstruction due to equipment failure. Hydebank, whose opening has already been delayed multiple times, will face additional setbacks due to this issue, further postponing any improvement in testing capacity and at further cost to the taxpayer.
The NFDA-NI says it's urging DfI to take swift and decisive action to address these challenges and provide more clarity and leadership to ardently tackle the issue for the interests of Northern Ireland motorists and businesses.
Northern Ireland Department For Infrastructure Cost Of Living Coronavirus South Belfast Stormont
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