New lifts installed as MOT test centres prepare for phased return of services
DRIVERS in Northern Ireland are to see an increase in MOT services and driving tests in the coming weeks, the Infrastructure Minister has said.
Nichola Mallon said there would be a phased return to services.
She also revealed that new lifts have been installed at 10 test centres after cracks in older lifts led to long inspection delays. Remaining lifts are due to be in place by mid-july.
However, test centres will operate with fewer staff in order to abide by social distancing regulations. Balmoral and Newtownards test centres are still in use as Covid-19 related testing and are still not available.
Drivers in Northern Ireland whose Mots were due during the pandemic shutdown had been given a one-year exemption, and the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) had issued temporary exemption certificates (TECS).
From July 20, the DVA plans to resume MOT testing for priority vehicle groups, including any not able to avail of TECS.
This includes taxis and buses due a first time test; vehicles not previously registered in Northern Ireland; vehicles with Mots that have expired by more than 12 months, including vehicles previously declared off the road, and those sold by dealerships.
MOT tests for other vehicles — such as four-year-old cars and motorbikes and three-year-old light goods vehicles — and testing ing of heavy goods vehicles, trailers and buses is planned to commence in August.
An exact date will be confirmed once the demand for the initial priority groups has been addressed. These customers will be sent reminder letters with details of how to book a test at the appropriate time.
Motorbike tests are planned from July 6 and tests for drivers of buses, tractors and practical tests for lorry, bus and coach drivers are planned from July 20.
Driving theory tests remain suspended, although a date for the resumption of this service is expected soon shortly.
Yesterday Ms Mallon said: “Since the Covid-19 outbreak, my priority has been the safety of the public and staff and all vehicle and driving tests at all DVA testing centres were suspended for three months, until today, June 22, 2020.
“My officials have been workhard to find solutions to help customers and a number of measures have been put in place, including a range of exemptions and extensions so that, as far as possible, vehicles can be kept on the road safely and most people can keep driving.
“However, I am very conscious that for the past number of months some types of vehicles that need Mots have had to stay off the road. I also recognise the frustrations of those customers not able to take driving tests during this time and the inconvenience this has caused.”
A phone booking line will be open from July 1 for customers in the priority groups to arrange an MOT appointment, but online booking will not be available.
The minister added: “Consultation is ongoing with trade unions with a view to the phased return of testing. To adhere to social distancing requirements it will be necessary to operate test centres with reduced staffing levels and with some changes to the testing process to keep staff and customers safe.
“While this is progress and we will be able to prioritise customers that cannot currently get their vehicles on the road, it is unfortunately not practicable to safely resume all services at this time, including car driving tests.
“However, some driver testing services for those vehicle types where social distancing is possible is planned from next month.
“As we work towards recovery from the impacts of Covid-19, I’m pleased we are able to help these customers get back on track.”
AN east Belfast man who was hospitalised with Covid-19 has urged fellow recovered patients to donate their blood for potentially lifesaving medical research.
Darran Jennings (44) from Dundonald has become the first volunteer here to undergo a blood transfusion procedure as part of Uk-wide trials.
Plasma will be extracted from blood samples, which will then be analysed for antibodies.
It is hoped the convalescent plasma — the yellowish liquid compound of blood that holds the blood cells in suspension — will help treat patients seriously ill with Covid-19.
Mr Jennings, who has two sons Luke (10) and Ryan (8), urged others like him to come forward to help with this crucial research.
He told the Belfast Telegraph that he was admitted to the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald after contracting the virus at the end of March.
“I’m pretty young and relatively fit and I was really surprised how hard it hit,” he explained.
“The first three days I thought it was the flu; I had sore muscles and aches and pains.
“After that my aches and pains went away but my temperature was spiking quite a lot. Then on March 29 my breathing took a hit.”
Days later he was taken to hospital by wife Julia, where he spent a week being cared for by staff.
“It was a bit of a blur and it was a surreal experience, being in hospital,” he added.
“I had been going through self-isolating at home, then at hospital where everybody had the gowns and protective equipment.”
The IT worker, who enjoys cycling, said his recovery in hospital had “quite a fast turnaround” and he is now feeling almost completely back to normal.
“It took three or four weeks to get some semblance of normality,” he said.
“Today, I’m 99% there.” Darran said the work being conducted by the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service (NIBTS) is hugely important in the ongoing fight to find effective treatments for Covid-19, even if a vaccine is eventually developed.
“The plasma is potentially lifesaving for patients in hospital with Covid-19,” Darran said.
“It will kickstart their immune system. I had no underlying conditions. I wasn’t at risk at all, in my opinion.”
Darran added that he owes everything to the staff at the Ulster Hospital.
“Without them, it’s no exaggeration to say that I wouldn’t be here,” he added.
The NIBTS is appealing for people like Darran who have tested positive for Covid-19 to come forward to donate blood at its headquarters at Belfast City Hospital.
Health Minister Robin Swann, who recently visited the site to thank staff and donors for their dedication during the pandemic, welcomed the service’s part in the blood plasma trials.
“Northern Ireland plays a key role in world-leading research and I have every hope this treatment will be a major milestone in our fight against this disease,” said Mr Swann.
“The selflessness and public spirit that’s been so evident across our community during the Covid-19 pandemic is continuing through a number of important clinical trials.
“I want to thank everyone who has stepped forward to help in the battle to defeat Covid-19.”
Matt Gillespie of the NIBTS said those who will participate in the plasma appeal could make a significant contribution to the medical trials.
“This is a real opportunity for people to come forward, donate and to really make a difference to the lives of other people,” he explained.
“Potentially, as with all blood donations, you could be saving someone’s life.”
❝ It’s a real opportunity for people to come forward, donate and to really make a difference