'Positive progress' on MOT backlog

A Foyle MLA has welcomed what he described as "positive progress" on the MOT backlog and additional test centre at Campsie.

Pádraig Delargy (Sinn Féin) said the improvement followed recent discussions with the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) on the difficulty in getting MOT appointments in Derry and also the building of an additional test centre at Campsie. 

Mr Delargy said: Ciara Ferguson and I recently met with DVA on the back of multiple issues faced by constituents trying to book an MOT appointment and the need to ensure that efficient services are in place for the drivers in the city. 

"We raised a number of issues to be addressed. Our immediate priority is to ensure adequate resourcing and staffing levels for Newbuildings. We’re pleased that two members of staff will now be moving to Newbuildings from August and that an additional member of staff will begin work here in September. 

"Another issue we have raised is the need to increase the capacity for testing across the north west, and I welcome that progress is being made on plans to build an additional test centre in Campise as well as two sites in Enniskillen and in Cookstown. 

"Both the DVA and the Department for Infrastructure have made substantial progress in their work for all three sites, although these do require ministerial sign-off, once again highlighting the need for a functioning Assembly and Executive to deliver first-class services for the north west."