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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 Feb 2002

Vol. 548 No. 4

Written Answers. - National Car Test.

Noel Ahern

Question:

181 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the reason for the raising of charges by NCT for passing out of taxis; if these charges are established by NCT or approved by his Department; the reason it is more expensive to check out a new rather than used car; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5260/02]

The Road Traffic (National Car Test) No. 3 Regulations, 2001, prescribes a fee of €88.80 payable to the NCT for an inspection of a vehicle for the purposes of a certificate of suitability for a small public service vehicle licence. On conversion to the euro, the original fee of £70 which had been set when the suitability testing function was assigned to NCT on 1 July 2001, was adjusted downwards by eight cents.

The inspection involves assessing the suitability of the vehicle as a small public service vehicle by reference to the requirements of the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations, 1963 to 2000, in addition to a standard NCT roadworthiness test. As there is no difference in the inspection carried out on a new or used vehicle, the fee of €88.80 applies irrespective of the age of the vehicle.
While the renewal of the small public service licence in respect of a particular vehicle does not require a further certificate of suitability, a standard NCT roadworthiness test is necessary at each renewal date. The cost of this test, which is the standard test carried out on private passenger cars, is €48.00.
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