Northern Ireland's automotive industry is facing a pressing issue that demands immediate attention – the ongoing MOT testing backlog. On April 10, NFDA-NI members convened key stakeholders, including MLAs, MPs, and chargepoint operators, for a roundtable dinner at the Culloden Estate in Belfast. Among the topics discussed, the alarming backlog in MOT testing took center stage.
The MOT backlog has plagued motorists and vehicle retailers in Northern Ireland for years. Compounded by Covid-19 lockdowns and the January 2020 lift equipment crisis, the system has struggled to recover. Motorists are facing wait times of over six months for an appointment, forcing them to travel considerable distances.
NFDA-NI has identified several critical concerns:
- Road and Vehicle Safety: The backlog poses a significant risk to road safety. Extended wait times increase the likelihood of vehicle defects going undetected, endangering both motorists and pedestrians. Alarmingly, 2023 witnessed the highest annual number of deaths on Northern Ireland's roads in eight years.
- Reputational Damage to Dealerships: Dealerships are unable to sell vehicles without a valid MOT license, resulting in significant financial losses and reputational damage. Some are grappling with backlogs extending six months or more.
- Capacity Issues: Despite plans to open new test centers in Hydebank and Mallusk by 2022 and 2024, respectively, repeated delays have pushed the operational timeline to potentially 2025. This delay exacerbates the capacity shortage, making it increasingly difficult to address the backlog.
In addition to hosting the roundtable dinner, NFDA-NI has taken proactive steps:
- Letter to Infrastructure Minister: On March 20, 2024, NFDA-NI penned a letter to Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd MLA, inviting him to discuss the MOT backlog crisis. However, the Minister cited "diary commitments" as the reason for his unavailability, according to a letter received on April 16, 2024.
- Public Statements: NFDA-NI has consistently highlighted the dire state of the MOT regime in Northern Ireland through public statements. Last month, they emphasized the "unacceptable state" of affairs.
Sue Robinson said: "This issue has reached a critical juncture and is having a detrimental impact on road/vehicle safety and the reputation of dealerships whilst the capacity is simply not there to tackle the growing backlog." NFDA-NI calls on Stormont to collaborate with industry stakeholders to review the MOT regime urgently, striving for greater efficiency that prioritizes road and vehicle safety.
As Northern Ireland grapples with this crisis, the need for swift action from policymakers cannot be overstated. The safety of motorists and pedestrians hangs in the balance, and the automotive industry's vitality hinges on resolving the MOT backlog promptly.
[1] Source: 2023 Key Statistics report.pdf (psni.police.uk)
[2] Source: NFDA highlights 'unacceptable state' of MoT regime in Northern Ireland (motortrader.com)
Note: A copy of the letter referenced is available upon request.
