A higher proportion of motorists should pass the National Car Test (NCT) when planned reforms for it are introduced. David Labanyi reports.
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Pat the Cope Gallagher, said he hoped changes to be introduced for the NCT would see the pass rate rise from the current level of just 49 per cent.
He said any reforms to the test "would benefit the customer". These changes are likely to include alterations to the allowable tyre tread depth and restrictions on darkened windows and engine noise levels.
The Minister of State said he wanted the changes introduced by January 1st, 2007, at the latest.
Mr Gallagher's predecessor, Ivor Callely, was due to introduce a series of changes to the NCT test in January this year but this was delayed after Mr Callely resigned on Budget Day.
The changes are based on a mid-term review of the performance of the company running the 10-year national car testing contract.
Consultants PricewaterhouseCoopers carried out the report on the Swiss-owned NCT Service (NCTS) Ltd and submitted it to the Department of Transport last October. While the report has not yet been published, it is expected to find no significant failings on behalf of NCT Service Ltd with regard to customer satisfaction, test integrity or waiting times.
"There is general satisfaction with the level of service provided. Department officials are working on a report for the Minister and we hope to publish it within weeks," Mr Gallagher said. One additional measure to deal with complaints has already been introduced.
Since February last year an independent appeals system run by the AA has been available nationwide for those who want to query why their car failed the NCT.
Mr Gallagher said the criteria for retest charges was also being examined. "We are looking very closely at some of these retest issues and if they are of a minor nature, perhaps there might not be a charge."
As part of the mid-term review, the NCT system in Ireland was compared to that of 17 other countries and reportedly was in the mid-range in terms of cost and customer satisfaction.
"Any changes, and there will be changes, will be introduced as soon as practical after the report is published by the Minister. Certainly January 2007 at the latest."
The leading reason for vehicles failing the NCT is number plate failure.
Mr Gallagher said the information on a number plate was proscribed by the Revenue Commissioners. "We have an obligation to conform with those requirements set down but I do hope to be able to resolve the issue."
Last year the NCT tested 624,619 cars in 43 centres nationwide. The test costs €49. A retest costs €27.50. Although 51 per cent of cars failed the test last year, faults that only required a visual inspection are not subject to the retest fee. The NCT receives roughly one complaint per 1,000 vehicles tested.