Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:138 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the NCT equivalent for commercial vehicles, including public transport vehicles; and the plans he has in this regard. [21846/00]
Written Answers. - National Car Test.
In addition to the national car test, mandatory vehicle testing applies to heavy goods vehicles and their trailers, buses and coaches, ambulances and taxis, in taximeter areas, on an annual basis since 1 January, 1983 and to light goods vehicles on a biennial basis since 1 January, 1993.
Testing of these vehicles, other than taxis, is carried out by about 150 authorised testers, mainly private garages, who are appointed and supervised by local authorities. They also include Bus Éireann and the Electricity Supply Board who may carry out the tests on their own vehicles. Taxis are tested by the PSV inspectorate of the Garda Síochána.