Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 May 2017
642. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding roadworthiness testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22143/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe fee charged for commercial vehicle roadworthiness tests in Northern Ireland, the UK, Germany or any other jurisdiction, as well as the content of such tests, is a matter for the relevant Ministries/bodies charged with responsibility for such in each of these respective jurisdictions.
The prescribed fee, per class of vehicle, for commercial vehicle roadworthiness tests in Ireland is set out in the Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness (Vehicle Testing)(No.2) Regulations 2013 (SI 347 of 2013). The fee covers the test undertaken at the testing centre, cost of the certificate of roadworthiness (CRW) and a road safety levy payable to the Road Safety Authority (RSA) in respect of an annual test.
In this jurisdiction, the Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness (CVR) testing system is operated on a fully commercial basis and without any financial contribution from the State. This means that CVR tests are delivered by privately owned garages who are responsible for the provision of the necessary infrastructure and facilities and they carry the financial and operational risks associated with that investment.
The road safety levy is being used to fund several aspects of the commercial vehicle roadworthiness reform programme which is intended to support safer roads and compliant operators. The RSA has financed the up-front capital investment associated with the reform programme to date.
The model for commercial vehicle testing has been reviewed and it was decided by Government that the prevailing model involving the delivery of commercial testing by privately owned garages should continue.
