Michael Ring
Question:178 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Transport if there is a change proposed in the regulations and testing standards for the NCT regarding headlights from January 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26147/02]
Written Answers. - National Car Test.
Michael Ring
Question:179 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Transport if a headlight failure in a NCT would remain as a fail advisory rather than a test failure from January 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26148/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 178 and 179 together.
In accordance with the approach to the introduction of car testing that my predecessor put in place in January 2000 the reasons for refusal of a test certificate are being implemented on a phased basis. Initially, failure on a minimum range of safety critical items gave rise to a refusal of test certificate. From 1 January the range of reasons for refusal was considerably expanded. In consultation with the NCTS and the motor industry my Department is preparing to complete the phased arrangements so that all reasons for failure will constitute reasons for refusal of a test certificate from mid-2003 onwards.
I have no plans to alter any of the requirements specified in the national car test manual 1999 in relation to the items to be tested in the course of a car test, the method of testing and the testing standards including those requirements concerning headlights.