There has been 'positive progress' towards plans to set up extra MOT test centres in Derry, Enniskillen and Cookstown, a Sinn Fein MLA has said.
Foyle MLA Padraig Delargy was speaking after recent discussions with the Driver and Vehicle Agency on the difficulty in booking MOT appointments in Derry, and on plans for an additional test centre outside the city in 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. "
Read more: PSNI clarifies rules around driving without MOT or road tax
He continued: "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 2 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."
Mr Delargy added: "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."
To get the latest breaking news from Co Derry straight to your inbox, sign up to our free newsletter.
