Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 April 2007
79 Mr. English asked the Minister for Transport if, in view of its road safety implications, he is satisfied with the robustness of the road worthiness tests operated by all public transport providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12735/07]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 responsibility for matters relating to vehicle standards, including vehicle testing, has passed to the Road Safety Authority.
The framework at European level in relation to compulsory periodic roadworthiness testing of motor vehicles is set down in EU Directive 96/96/EC. In accordance with that Directive, buses and taxis are required to undergo a roadworthiness test every year. The testing of buses is carried out by authorised testers appointed by local authorities in accordance with the European Communities (Vehicle Testing) Regulations 2004. In the case of taxis, testing is carried out by National Car Testing Service Limited in accordance with the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2003. The items to be tested, the method of testing and the reasons for failure of the roadworthiness test for a bus or a taxi are set down in the relevant Test Manual prepared and published by the Road Safety Authority.
In August 2006 the Road Safety Authority engaged consultants to conduct a fundamental review of the scheme of compulsory periodic roadworthiness testing for commercial vehicles. My Department has been informed by the Authority that it has received the report from the consultants and that it is being examined by the Authority.
