Mallon announces resumption of normal vehicle testing services for the haulage industry

Date published: 01 October 2020

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Infrastructure Minister Mallon has announced the resumption of normal vehicle testing services for the haulage industry following the reopening of the DVA Belfast Test Centre.

Minister Mallon said:

“I am delighted to announce that one of our busiest test centres at Balmoral Road Belfast is now fully operational to deliver HGV and trailer testing following its use as a Covid testing facility.  In recent weeks the DVA has been engaging directly with the industry to facilitate vehicle test appointments and the extra testing capacity now being provided by the Belfast test centre is very good news.

“The online booking service for HGVs and trailers also resumed today with vehicle test appointments now available to 31 October, with appointment slots for November to be released by the end of this week.  To further support the haulage industry, the DVA will be extending operational hours for HGV testing at a number of its centres, including Belfast and Mallusk, offering additional vehicle test appointments from 5.00 pm to 8.30 pm Monday to Friday and from 8.00 am to 8.30 pm on Saturdays.

“All DVA’s 15 test centres are now operational and offering testing services for HGVs and trailers and these developments should assist the haulage industry as they plan ahead for the busy Christmas period.

“I want to thank the industry for the critical role they continue to play during this crisis and for their support and partnership approach to working with DVA.  Covid-19 is still with us and we must all continue to follow the guidelines.  My priority will always be to keep staff and customers safe while we work to deliver a safe return to services as quickly as possible during this challenging and changing time.”

 

Notes to editors: 

  1. From 20 July, the DVA resumed MOT testing for priority vehicle groups, including those vehicles that could not avail of a Temporary Exemption Certificate (TEC). This includes taxis and buses due a first time test, vehicles not previously registered in Northern Ireland, vehicles whose MOTs have expired by more than 12 months that includes vehicles previously declared SORN and those sold by car dealerships.
  2. From 1 September, the DVA resumed testing for four year old cars and motorbikes, three year old light goods vehicles, heavy goods vehicles and trailers which do not currently have a TEC.
  3. The online booking system can be accessed on nidirect: Book MoT Vehicle Test online;
  4. Comprehensive advice and guidance to customers on DVA services is regularly updated on nidirect: Motoring
  5. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk   
  6. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
  7. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra and on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure

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