IAAF JOINS NI MOT FREQUENCY ‘CALL FOR EVIDENCE’

The IAAF is to join the Call for Evidence announced earlier this week by the Northern Ireland Department for Infrastructure.

Frequency change on the cards for NI MOT

READ: NI MOT: FREQUENCY CHANGE CONSULTATION STARTS

This consultation is seeking submissions about the potential to increase MOT frequency from every year to every other year, a move that the IAAF opposes.

READ: 12 MONTH MOT EXTENSION ANNOUNCED AS NORTHERN IRELAND MOT CHAOS CONTINUES

Responding to the consultation announcement, Mark Field. IAAF Chief Executive said:

“It is more important than ever, following the reduction in Northern Ireland testing due to defective lifts in early 2020 and then the impact from the coronavirus pandemic, that the current testing frequency be upheld if not strengthened.

“To ensure as safe and cost-effective motoring as possible, motorists are responsible to have their vehicle inspected and serviced regularly. Given the substantial backlog of tests in Northern Ireland, which are only coming back to pre-pandemic levels in September, there are more unsafe vehicles on NI roads than ever before. Test Centres are currently experiencing an increase in failed items as a direct result of the granted extensions. It is vital that the Northern Ireland executive understands the impact that a change in MOT frequency would have on the number of unsafe vehicles on NI roads.”

Unlike GB, Northern Ireland’s test is conducted by a small number of overloaded state-run test centres. CAT has reported on how the centres have been besieged by problems over the past few years including strikes, serious equipment problems and the fallout from the pandemic.