SOME 2,350 cars that
underwent the NCT car test this year were deemed
dangerously un-roadworthy, figures from the
operators show.
The statistics, from Applus, also show that more
cars failed than passed the NCT in the first six
months of this year.
A total of 595,436 vehicles were tested from January
to the end of June. Of these, 297,477, or 50%,
failed with a further 2,349 vehicles being deemed
'dangerous'.
Some 295,610 vehicles, or 49.6%, passed the test
first time. Of the 280,218 vehicles that
subsequently underwent a re-test, almost 91% passed.
Just over 25,700 failed again while a further 307
vehicles were deemed too dangerous to drive even
after the retest.
Cars tested this year are generally 2008, 2006 and
2004 models as well as vehicles that are ten years
and older. Decade-old cars and older must now
undergo the NCT annually instead of every two years.
A number of changes were introduced to the NCT test
this year to comply with an EU directive to
harmonise the testing regimes across the member
states.
The changes include a number of new reasons for
failure including exhaust fumes entering the
passenger compartment; a tyre not fit for purpose;
damaged electrical wiring or a missing dust cover.
Applus manages 47 centres nationwide and handles
some 1.4 million tests annually. The cost of a full
NCT increased by 10% this year to €55 with the
re-test fee remaining the same, at €28. Meanwhile,
from this year, failure to produce the required
identification, either driving licence or passport,
at the time of testing, will result in a vehicle not
being issued with an NCT certificate. |
