I propose to take Questions Nos. 1094 and 1133 together.
Currently, vintage cars and motor caravans registered prior to 1st January 1980 are exempt from compulsory roadworthiness testing.
However, all commercial vehicles, regardless of their age, have been required to be tested since commercial vehicle testing was first introduced in Ireland in the 1980s. It is also the case that vintage SPSVs (Small Public Service Vehicles) such as wedding and other ceremonial cars used for hire and reward purposes are required to be tested by the National Car Testing Service.
Vintage commercial vehicles can still be used for commercial purposes and this is why pre-1980 commercial vehicles, including vintage SPSVs, are required to be tested. Although there is no exemption for these vehicles, they are tested to the standards that the vehicles concerned were originally designed to meet.
A review of this whole area is included in the Government’s 2013-2020 Road Safety Strategy (Action 59) and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is currently conducting this review. As part of this review, the RSA launched a public consultation process inviting interested parties (individuals, clubs, associations, etc.) to submit their views. Details concerning this public consultation can be found on the RSA website at www.rsa.ie.
It is important that interested parties avail of the opportunity to make their views known to the RSA as part of this consultation process. I understand that the closing date for submissions to the RSA is Friday 14th November 2014.
I will consider the outcome of this review, including any associated recommendations, when completed.
