MOT tests: Hairline cracks found in lifts in Northern Ireland

Hairline cracks have been found in vehicle test, or MOT, lifts in Northern Ireland, the chair of the assembly's infrastructure department has said.

DUP MLA Deborah Erskine said the cracks were found on several MaHa lifts, which were at the centre of MOT testing delays in 2019.

The Driver and Vehicle Agency said "small hairline cracks" had been found in 16 lifts.

Independent inspectors found the cracks to be in the lowest category, it added.

"These hairline cracks are not the same issue as the cracks identified in scissor lifts at the end of 2019, early 2020," it said.

"The DVA has robust maintenance arrangements in place to ensure all vehicle testing equipment operates safely and effectively.

"All lifts remain in service and MOT appointments have not been affected.

"The inspection frequency for the affected scissors lifts has been increased and the equipment provider is assessing the cause of the hairline cracks and their findings will inform any remedial action required."

Many drivers in NI continue to face long waits for MOT tests.

A new test centre at Hydebank was due to open in 2022

Last month the department said a new test centre at Hydebank, in south Belfast, due to open in 2022, is now scheduled to open later this year, while a new test centre at Mallusk, in County Antrim, scheduled to open in 2024, is now planned for 2025.

On Monday, Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Ms Erskine said the cracks had been found in MOT testing lifts a few weeks ago.

She said a similar issue in 2019 cost the department nearly £4m in terms of backlogs to the MOT testing system.

"How have we managed to reach the same situation again?" she added.