Vol. 543 No. 5
353 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his plans to introduce legislation to update the Transport Acts to provide for a more comprehensive and effective system of vehicle inspection in the haulage industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27792/01]
In accordance with Directive 96/96/EC, the European Communities (Vehicle Testing) Regulations 1991 to 1999, provide for heavy goods vehicles to undergo a roadworthiness test every year. Light commercial vehicles are subject to biennial testing. The scheme of testing, which has been in operation since 1982, is reviewed regularly by my Department in the light of experience, in response to new EU requirements and to ensure that best practice is used in the conduct of tests. In this context, my Department intends to make modifications to the scheme to provide for a more efficient method to test emissions and an additional test element for speed limiter equipment. Other measures which will assist in securing adherence to vehicle standards include Directive 2000/30/EC and the ADR agreement which provide for random roadside roadworthiness testing of HGVs and annual roadworthiness testing of vehicles used for the carriage of dangerous goods. Arrangements for the implementation of these measures at an early date are proceeding.
