MOT Mess: Mallon orders independent reviews
All appointments had been cancelled due to safety fears, with the exception of slots for taxis and four-year-old cars.
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has ordered two independent reviews around how issues with lift equipment at MOT test centres led to tests for cars and light vehicles being suspended.
"I am very clear that this situation is not acceptable, I took up post two weeks ago and I have inherited this mess," she said, speaking to the media during a visit to an MOT centre in Belfast.
"I have instructed the permanent secretary for the department for infrastructure to commission two reviews that will be overseen by me.
"The first review will be conducted by independent professional auditors - I want to understand exactly what happened here, who knew, what, when and what action was taken and the timelines involved.
"The second review, I have asked that an independent expert is appointed who can provide me with independent advice about the steps that now must be taken to ensure that we can get back to business as usual and safely in our MOT centres across Northern Ireland."