Confused customers turned up to 'closed' MOT Centre in Craigavon

Complaints are flooding in of customers, who turned up to their MOT appointment in Craigavon, to find it had closed.
Craigavon MOT Centre Photo courtesy of GoogleCraigavon MOT Centre Photo courtesy of Google
Craigavon MOT Centre Photo courtesy of Google

DUP MP Carla Lockhart said she had received a number of complaints that the Craigavon MOT centre was closed.

Mrs Lockhart said: "The staff are advising that it is closed owing to the ongoing safety issue with the equipment being used within the centres.

"No communication was made with those who had booked appointments and there are people whose cars run out of MOT tomorrow.

"The poor staff are left without any information and no manager to advise people of the next steps.

"I have made urgent contact with the Chief Exec of the DVA and the Minister of Infrastructure concerning this issue.

"People accept that it had to closed owing to the safety aspect but are frustrated with the lack of communication."

However the Department for Infrastructure issued a statement which said all centres apart from Mallusk were open.

A spokesperson for the Department for Infrastructure said: "DVA is currently carrying out checks on vehicle lifts in its MOT test centres, following the identification of faults.

"This is precautionary and to ensure the safety of staff and customers.

"It is anticipated that these inspections will be completed today and any necessary repairs will be carried out as soon as possible. As and when test centres have been inspected and any necessary repairs completed, they will immediately become operational.

“At present, there are limited tests being carried out at most MOT centres and appointments are being rescheduled while inspections and repairs are completed.

"Mallusk is the only test centre not carrying out car and light vehicle tests; heavy goods vehicles and bus tests remain unaffected. DVA is making every effort to contact customers to reschedule appointments and will prioritise customers who require an immediate test.

“All other test centres remain open and customers should attend their MOT appointment unless contacted by DVA.

“DVA sincerely apologises for the inconvenience caused. It is working to resolve this issue as quickly as possible.”