Question:
84 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when compulsory motor testing will be introduced; the specific terms which will apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19275/98]
Written Answers. - Motor Vehicle Testing.
Deirdre Clune
Question:103 Ms Clune asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has to introduce a scheme whereby it will be compulsory to have all private cars over four years of age tested for their mechanical soundness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19303/98]
Alan M. Dukes
Question:270 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the tests, if any, he proposes to include in the system of car testing which he intends to put in place in 1999; whether he intends to include the two-speed idle test for emissions; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the two-speed idle test is alleged to be outmoded and not to measure nitrogen oxides which is a key component of smog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17691/98]
Mary Coughlan
Question:316 Miss Coughlan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when compulsory vehicle testing will be introduced. [19381/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 84, 103, 270 and 316 together.
It is intended to introduce car testing as early as practicable. Testing will be carried out at dedicated test centres under the control of a contractor to be appointed on a national basis on foot of an EU-wide competitive tendering process. Following a qualification stage five consortia were invited on 7 July last to submit detailed tenders by the closing date of 25 September. My Department is now evaluating the tenders received with a view to selecting the contractor as soon as possible. The precise detail of start-up arrangements, including the commencement date for testing, will depend on the particular proposals of the selected contractor, including the ability to mobilise promptly the network of test centres and other resources.
The car test parameters will be those required under Directive 96/96 EC which obliges all member states to introduce such tests. They cover braking systems, steering, visibility, lamps and electrical equipment, axles, wheels and suspensions, chassis and attachments, bodywork, safety belts, warning devices, speedometer, noise and certain air pollutant emissions. The air pollutant tests involve gauging emissions of smoke from diesel engines and both carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons from petrol engines. There are no proposals at present to include nitrogen oxides in the test regime.
Methods of testing and the reasons for failure will be documented in the car tester's manual to be published by my Department. A draft of the manual has been the subject of consultation with interests which included the motor industry, motoring associations, industrial and farming groups and engineering institutions; the finalised manual will reflect the outcome of that consultation process.