Written question asked by Lord Dodds of Duncairn (Democratic Unionist Party) on Friday, 26 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 December 2004. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Basildon (Labour) on Monday, 6 December 2004 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what additional resources have been allocated to the Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency in Northern Ireland to help with the backlog of MOT tests following recent industrial action and to reduce the waiting time for people applying for a driving test in Northern Ireland.

Answer: Mr. Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what additional resources have been allocated to the Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency in Northern Ireland to help with the backlog of MOT tests following recent industrial action and to reduce the waiting time for people applying for a driving test in Northern Ireland. [201135] Angela Smith: The Agency is working to restore normal services as soon as possible. Steps being taken include the recruitment from 1 November 2004 of 30 additional staff, the introduction from 1 October 2004 of a more efficient booking programme, and additional overtime working. Certificates of temporary exemption, which allow vehicles to be taxed and driven legally until they can be tested, are being issued where appointments cannot be offered within 21 days. The measures introduced for vehicle testing have the effect of removing some vehicles temporarily from the testing cycle and freeing up capacity to allow the Agency to focus on priority vehicle testing categories and driver testing.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 201135; 428 c329W
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Administrative delays Driving tests Motor vehicles Waiting lists Testing Northern Ireland Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk