50,000 MOT tests have been cancelled in Northern Ireland

The number of MOT tests in Northern Ireland cancelled since testing was halted last month has hit the 50,000 mark.

Tests for cars and light vehicles were suspended on January 21 after cracks were found in 48 out of 55 vehicle lifts.

The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) for NI said about 54,000 tests have been carried out since the problem arose, with tests for four-year-old cars and taxis being prioritised. Tests for buses and lorries are still going ahead as normal.

MOT exemption certificates lasting four months have been issued so motorists whose tests were cancelled can legally drive.

However, these cannot be issued for four-year-old cars or taxis, because the former have never been through an MOT test, meaning they do not have a certificate to extend, while taxis are covered by different legislation.

Five new lifts have since been installed and are fully operational, the DfI confirmed, and all 15 test centres are now open, although none are operating to full capacity.