AQW 8600/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 11/03/2024
Answered On Date: 27/03/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) the number of vehicles without a valid MOT certificate; (ii) the number of vehicles both without valid car tax and not declared as SORN; (iii) the number of vehicles that have an MOT certificate due to expire within one month and do not have an MOT appointment booked; (iv) the impact of the cracked vehicle lifts in MOT testing centres; and (v) the resultant reduction in test frequency during the period of repair or replacement of the lifts.

Answer:

The Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) does not hold this information requested at points (i) and (ii). Whilst the DVA holds the information requested at point (iii), it is not held in a readily accessible format and would take a significant amount of time and cost to produce.

There has been no impact on MOT testing as a result of small hairline cracks being identified in the welds of the main scissor bushing in a number of vehicle lifts. The lifts are independently assessed, with the assessor attributing their lowest category of fault to this issue. The lifts remain serviceable and safe to use.

The inspection frequency for the affected lifts has been increased from an eight-weekly inspection to a four-weekly inspection. Where possible, any repairs required to vehicle testing equipment are completed during DVA’s planned preventative maintenance programme to minimise any disruption to the delivery of MOT services.