MICHAEL McALEER answers your questions
From S Howe:
I did my NCT test a couple of months ago and my car failed. I was given the report of issues it failed over. So I went off with my report to a mechanic and got the problems addressed.
I didn't manage to get the re-test done within the three weeks allowed, so had to pay for the full test again. That's my own doing, so fair enough.
Now two months later, I got my NCT done again and this time I failed because I did not have Baile Átha Cliath on the registration plate. I asked to speak to a manager as I wanted to know why this was not picked up the first time.
Basically he told me it should have been picked up the first time, but I still have to get it resolved.
This is just one of several e-mails we've received on the discrepancies of the NCT.
While the manager may have been within his rights to claim that they have no legal obligation to inform you of every fault, it does call into question the quality level of the test.
It also poses a problem for the many motorists who, through other commitments or a lack of mechanical knowledge, are not fully attuned to the exact requirements of the test.
Some motorists use the first test as a guide to what they need repaired, while others depend on mechanics or pre-NCT centres to guide them through the test.
Obviously the NCT would regard neither system as their responsibility, but as they increase the boundaries of the test, there should be some simple guidelines supplied to those doing the test as to what is required.
Most of us accept the merits of a regular inspection of used cars, but incidences like this, while falling within the limits of simple human error, do not inspire confidence in the system.
From Noel Duffy, Cork:
My daughter is a "young driver" with a full licence and named on my policy. I removed her from the policy while she was away for the summer.
On reinstating her I have learned that her insurance "credit status" was broken by her temporary removal. The clock has restarted on her claims-free time. This will affect her when she seeks her own cover.
I was not informed of this beforehand. Needless to say, I will not break her cover again! Insurers should be obliged to inform their clients when a temporary removal is requested.
It appears that there is no obligation to inform you, nor even to offer claims-free discounts.
The advice in this instance would be for you to shop around and inform all the various insurance parties of the fact that she has driven at various intervals as a named driver. Some will only offer discounts based on "continuous claims-free driving" while others might take it into consideration.
The point you make about informing motorists about the risks they take when they are temporarily removed is valid and sensible. It would seem the decent thing to do.
From P Wood:
As if the Dublin traffic situation is not bad enough, there seems to be a free-for-all on the city's streets as regards jaywalking.
It's understandable in certain instances where the traffic has ground to a halt that pedestrians feel it is fine to weave between the cars, but last week I came across two instances where pedestrians strode straight out in front of my car - and a line of others - without even looking, despite the fact we were all moving off.
In the second instance when I blew the horn, all I got in return was a finger salute as the pedestrian stopped and stared at me for being so insolent as to challenge his right to cross the road.
It's long been a problem in Dublin and other cities as Irish people do battle with traffic. Admittedly a large majority of these jaywalkers are also motorists.
However, just like when they are behind the wheel, many think they are impregnable.
The fact is that pedestrians do face hefty fines and even prison sentences for "breaking" red lights at pedestrian crossings. However, the laws are routinely disobeyed and are rarely enforced.
Jaywalking pedestrians can be prosecuted for ignoring red lights, crossing within 15 metres of a designated pedestrian crossing, failing to act in accordance with a Garda signal, failing to exercise care, not using a footpath or for not keeping to the edge of the road.
A first offence carries a fine of up to €800, a second a fine of €1,500 and with a third or subsequent offence, pedestrians could find themselves in prison for three months.
According to the National Safety Council, the main contributory factor in pedestrian deaths - which accounted for nearly 16 per cent of road deaths so far this year - was carelessness.
When you cross on a red light as a driver you lose your driving licence and pay penalties.
The pedestrian and the cyclist should be punished as well for putting their own lives and those of others at risk.
Send your queries to Motors Help Desk, The Irish Times, D'Olier St, Dublin 2 - or e-mail to motorshelp@irish-times.ie