The ongoing issues with the MOT testing centre in Enniskillen have been described as “ridiculous” by car owners who have had to wait up to 10 weeks for an appointment.

Car owners who have booked a MOT and who choose to drive their cars despite their MOT expiring run the risk of prosecution. Car insurance is invalid without a MOT and it is also illegal to drive a car without an MOT certificate.

Nicola Ashdown from Enniskillen told how she had received her MOT reminder letter in April and was unable to get an appointment until May. Then her son received his MOT reminder, dated June 11.

His car’s certificate is due to expire on August 13 however he could not get an appointment until 16 days after expiry on August 29.

“It is ridiculous. You get your letter sent through the post saying you’re car is due an MOT on whatever date and it recommends you go online. We went straight online the day we got the letter. I was online to book and I couldn’t get an appointment for the car to be MOT’d until 16 days after the MOT expires. That’s over 10 weeks.”

Nicola, who is originally from England does not understand why they system used over there could not be implemented here in which you can get your car MOT’d at a recognised garage after it has been serviced.

When she asked one of the mechanics about the backlog at the testing centre she was simply told that they were very busy.

Richard Smith had to go to Newtownards to ensure that his car was tested in time.

He said when he went online to book his test on Monday, the earliest date available in Enniskillen was September 25.

“I appreciate we have a responsibility to ensure our cars are tested on time but previously there were always available booking slots within a four to six week time-frame.

In order to MOT my car in time I have had to make a booking in Newtownards. I fear the situation will get worse before it improves which could leave many car owners stranded as they would be unable to MOT their cars in time,” he said.

In response to the backlog in appointments at the MOT centre, a spokesperson for the Department of Infrastructure said: “The main factor that has given rise to the current increase in MOT booking times has been the unprecedented increase in applications for tests this year.

The Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) has put a number of measures in place to reduce the current waiting time for test appointments.

This includes opening a number of test centres on public holidays and Sundays throughout May, July and August, with appointments being released every Thursday. Ten test centres, including the Enniskillen and Omagh Test Centre opened Saturday 13 July to provide additional appointments for customers. Further appointments will continue to be released on a daily basis as and when they become available.

“The DVA has also recruited additional staff, both permanent and temporary. There are plans are in place for two more tranches of staff to commence in July and September. When all these additional staff are in post they will test a combined total of up to 1,000 additional vehicles per day.

“We would encourage customers to book their vehicle test online as soon as they receive a reminder notice. During June, over 2600 people failed to attend their MOT appointment. We would ask that customers either attend their pre-booked appointments or cancel them to allow others to make use of the appointment.”