ITV queues 'intolerable'

CAR-OWNERS com-. plain of being stuck in hot, endless queues to get their ITV tests at the station in Ondara since the start of summer – and delays of up to three weeks in securing appointments.

As the only centre for compulsory vehicle inspections in the Marina Alta, residents from as far away as Jávea, Calpe and Moraira have to travel to Ondara for annual tests – or bi-annual for cars between four and 10 years old – meaning backlogs are commonplace anyhow, but with the district's population nearly trebling in summer, the issue is becoming intolerable.

Dozens of owners have posted photos and videos on social media whilst sitting in the queues and criticised the lack of provisions in the area.

Although ITV stations are typically open from 07.00 to 22.00 without stopping for lunch, queue-length can still mean owners having to take time off work to ensure their cars are legal on the road.

Pre-booking is compulsory in Ondara, but many are finding they cannot get a slot in time for their existing ITV's expiry date.

The waiting list is typically around 20 days long at this time of year.

Worried motorists given slots late for their due date have been told to carry their appointment confirmation letter with them when driving to show police if stopped.