An element of the national car test to establish the road worthiness of vehicles has been suspended over safety fears. The National Car Test Service (NCTS) said it had made the decision to discontinue the use of vehicle inspection lifts across its network “with immediate effect” until a full condition survey of all lifts is completed. Cracks in lift machinery were first detected in November but the problem got worse this month forcing the suspension of the tests. Faults were found at 48 of 55 lifts at test centres across Northern Ireland. Heavy goods vehicles will continue to be tested as they don’t require the use of lifts while taxis and four-year-old cars are being prioritised for tests.

Source: The Irish Times January 29, 2020 21:22 UTC