Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 November 2014
567. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he believes vintage vehicles are not the cause of road traffic accidents in the main; and his further views on providing a special national car test dispensation for these vehicles in the future as they are largely used for appropriate recreation and fund-raising activities. [44927/14]
View answerAs the Road Safety Authority (RSA) do not have road traffic collisions statistics available for vehicles registered prior to 1988, I cannot provide a definitive view on the number of incidents involving vintage vehicles. That was the year in which number plates changed to the YEAR-COUNTY-NUMBER format. However, I understand that the report arising from the review of Roadworthiness Testing for Vintage Vehicles which is currently underway by the RSA will include statistics received from the insurance industry in relation to claims involving vintage vehicles.
With regards to the Deputy's suggestion of a special NCT dispensation for vintage vehicles, I would point out that vintage cars and motor caravans registered prior to 1st January 1980 are currently 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.
The review of this area which is currently underway was included in the Government’s 2013-2020 Road Safety Strategy (Action 59). As part of this review, the RSA held a public consultation process and invited interested parties (individuals, clubs, associations, etc.) to submit their views prior to 14th November last.
I will consider the outcome of this review, including any associated recommendations, when completed.
