John Lahart
Question:270. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport the status of NCT certificate cover for persons (details supplied) in the event of being stopped by An Garda Síochána. [43658/22]
View answerThursday, 8 September 2022
Questions (270)
Written answers
The operation of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and I have no role in individual cases.
However, I am very aware of the challenges that the RSA and the NCTS are currently facing to meet demand and the delays which vehicle owners have encountered since the start of this year. This is a serious matter and my department will continue to monitor the RSA's progress in reducing test delays, as part of ongoing corporate governance processes, as well as supporting any appropriate requests from the RSA for assistance.
I understand that the RSA has made An Garda Síochána aware that some vehicle owners have had issues securing an appointment. However, vehicle owners and drivers are reminded that they are legally required to ensure their vehicles are in a roadworthy condition at all times. It remains a penal offence under Section 18 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961 to drive a vehicle in a public place without having at that time a valid certificate of roadworthiness in force against it and as with all road traffic legislation, enforcement of this requirement continues to be a matter for An Garda Síochána.
Vehicle owners seeking test appointments may contact the NCTS directly by calling 01-4135992 or may avail of the priority waiting list function via the NCT website www.ncts.ie. In the vast majority of cases, these vehicle owners are provided with an appointment within 30 days.