International MOT conference opens in Belfast

The international vehicle testing organisation, Comite International de l'Inspection Technique Automobile (CITA) has opened its 2003 conference in Belfast today.

Around 130 delegates and partners from 25 countries across four continents, gathered in Belfast's Europa Hotel to exchange information, share best practice and provide practical advice on all aspects of vehicle testing

Formally opened by The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Martin Morgan, this is the first time the CITA conference has been held in Ireland.

Speaking at the opening of the conference, CITA chairman Ron Oliver said: "CITA aims to provide an authorative source of information and to promote good practice and innovation in vehicle testing. We were therefore particularly pleased to hold the first phase of our 2003 conference in Northern Ireland.

"The conference coincides with the near completion of an ambitious programme by the Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency to modernise vehicle testing across Northern Ireland. These changes, aimed at bringing Northern Ireland to the forefront in vehicle testing, are just the kind of innovation and development CITA seeks to promote and encourage."

Stanley Duncan, Chief Executive of DVTA added: “We in Northern Ireland are playing our part. In the last 18 months the Agency has made a major investment in refurbishing all 15 of our test centres with the most up to date equipment and systems.

"This has been achieved through effective collaboration between the public and private sectors. Of course, as with any major change, it will take some time before we realise fully all the benefits of these new developments."

CITA has a current worldwide membership of some 35 countries with today's conference being hosted in Northern Ireland by the Department of the Environment through the Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency.

(MB)