8 November 2000
ENVIRONMENT MINISTER VISITS CARRICKFERGUS TO OPEN VEHICLE TESTING AGENCY CONFERENCE
Minister of the Environment, Sam Foster, MLA, formally opened the DOE's Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency's staff Conference at the Quality Hotel, Carrickfergus.
Speaking at the Conference Mr Foster said: "I cannot emphasise enough the importance of DVTA's work in relation to the Department's road safety efforts. The Agency now carries out over 600,000 vehicle and driving tests every year. This is a massive commitment, which is well worthwhile.
"Already more people have been killed in road accidents this year than last year. Road safety is a clear priority for all of us, and I have recently been able to obtain additional resources for the Department's road safety efforts. This extra funding will enable the number of road safety education officers to be almost doubled.
"Further, Since 1992 DVTA can demonstrate a very successful record of solid achievements. These include increased efficiencies passed on to customers through low fees, high levels of customer satisfaction, lower appointment waiting times, improved productivity and flexibility in service delivery.
"Also, the renewal of your Chartermark award, achievement of Investors in People and nomination as a UK finalist in the TNT quality awards last year demonstrated ongoing commitment to excellence which reflects well not only on the Agency but on the DOE as a whole."
The guest speaker at the conference was Richard Hoques, Chief Executive of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS). Mr Hoques, gave an outline of how the recently introduced MOT is operated in the Republic.
The conference leader was Mrs Lesley Black a consumer affairs journalist and the Conference was closed by Mr Stephen Quinn Permanent Secretary of the DOE.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- Minister of the Environment, Mr Sam Foster MLA, officially opened DVTA's 2-day conference at 9.30am in the Quality Inn Carrickfergus.
- The theme of the conference was Modernising Government. The Agenda included modernising of the Agency's test equipment, booking service and complaints system.
- The Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency (DVTA), is an executive Agency within the Department of the Environment. . Its primary aim is to promote road safety by operating fair and efficient systems of testing for both vehicles and drivers. It is responsible for the implementation of Government policies for improving the mechanical standard of vehicles and for improving the effectiveness of its testing operations. The Agency operates from 15 test centres throughout Northern Ireland and 6 Theory test centres.
- Agency operates from 15 test centres, two satellite driving test centres and six theory test centres throughout NI. In 1998/99 it carried out 438,022 vehicle tests, 39,661 theory tests and almost 42,000 practical driving tests.
- There are 2 major developments currently underway which will change the testing arrangements over the next 2-3 years. A major contract for replacement of vehicle test equipment is being negotiated. If this is concluded this year installation of new equipment will begin next year on a phased basis over 2 years. This will improve the objectivity of the test, produce a better working environment for staff and help to reduce appointment-waiting times.
- The current vehicle test booking arrangements are largely manually based. A procurement exercise for the development of a computerised booking system is underway. This will include a telephone booking facility. The successful bidder will be selected next year and it is planned to begin the new booking service in 2002.
For further information please contact Bridgeen Rea, DVTA HQ, Balmoral Road, Belfast. 028 9054 7986 or
bridgeen.rea@doeni.gov.uk