A total of 2,300 drivers failed to turn up for their MOT last month, wasting £70,150 in fees.
With a two-month backlog continuing to force motorists off the road , those who can’t make it are being urged to cancel so someone else can have their slot.
SDLP infrastructure spokesperson Sinead Bradley said: “It is absolutely mindboggling that in the middle of a severe MOT backlog, which continues to force people off the roads, thousands of appointments are missed in one month alone.
“An MOT isn’t cheap, I don’t know many people who can afford to flush £30.50 down the drain but there were up to 2,300 motorists who did just that last month. Not only does it waste the time of MOT staff, it’s making the current backlog worse.”
The MLA added she will be meeting with the chief executive of the Driver and Vehicle Agency today to press for an exemption for those with pre-arranged appointments.
She said: “So far those requests have been rejected, but the department should keep the proposal under review.”
