Jim Daly
Question:474. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on correspondence (details supplied) on the cost of roadworthiness tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51830/13]
View answerTuesday, 3 December 2013
Questions (474)
Written answers
I received similar correspondence from the same individual and arranged for the Chief Executive Officer of the Road Safety Authority to respond directly to him, which he has done. The arrangements for commercial vehicle testing in the State were comprehensively reviewed in 2007 and the Government decided that the model for delivery of testing by private operators should continue. However, the authorisation and supervision of commercial vehicle testing should be centralised under the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to ensure consistency of testing across the country. The Road Safety Authority (Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness) Act 2012 provides the powers to the RSA to undertake this function.
The RSA is in the process of implementing major reforms in the testing system, which will deliver an enhanced service for the customer. Apart from safer roads for all road users, the reforms are designed to level the competitive playing field for commercial vehicle operators by reducing non-compliance with testing and roadworthiness requirements. The new system is designed to deliver several administrative benefits for operators, including online booking systems, reducing the vehicle paperwork to be brought to the test and centralised issuing of the Certificate of Roadworthiness (CRW).
From 7th October 2013, a new annual fee, which includes a road safety levy, was introduced. The RSA consulted industry on the reforms and the planned road safety levy in November 2011 and the actual levy is lower than that proposed in the public consultation. There have been a number of awareness raising measures of the reforms over the summer months and the new fees were advertised in national newspapers on 3rd October 2013 and are available in full on the RSA website.
The levy is also funding enhanced supervision, enforcement and compliance measures being introduced at the roadside and at operator premises. A risk rating system is also being introduced so that roadside enforcement activity is targeted at higher risk operators ensuring that compliant operators are less likely to experience disruption to their daily business.