ALMOST 500,000 extra
cars were put through the NCT last year compared to
at the height of the boom seven years ago.
Latest figures show that 1,170,899 cars were put
through the test in 2013 compared to just 686,705 in
2007 – a rise of 484,184.
The figures reveal a steady year-on-year increase in
cars presented for testing as Ireland's worst
recession got traction and people held on to older
cars. Vehicles presented for the NCT rose to 835,802
in 2008; 864,376 in 2009; 893,664 in 2010 and
984,968 in 2011. The number first broke the 1
million mark in 2012 with 1,067,985 vehicles tested.
The figures from NCT operator, Applus, also show
that a whopping 4,300 vehicles were immediately put
off the road last year after NCT staff deemed them
too "dangerous" to drive away from the centre. A
total of 628 remained unfit for the road after a
retest.
Last year, continuing an increasing trend, more cars
failed than passed the NCT test - 621,398 fails
compared to 545,201 passes. After retesting, 556,450
passed, with 56,957 failing a second time.
The main fail items in 2013 were front suspension,
tyre condition, brake line/hoses, stop lamps and
steering linkage. In 2007, the main fail items were
front suspension, brake line/hoses and tyre
condition.
Meanwhile, new laws are set to come into force later
this year obliging motorists to inform the
Department of Transport if their vehicle has been
written off.
These cars will then be given a 'death certificate'
meaning they cannot be driven, sold, taxed or
insured.
Vehicle history check company, Cartell.ie, urged the
department to introduce the legislation as quickly
as possible.
“We are delighted the Government is acting swiftly
on this issue and appears set to ensure the Road
Safety Authority oversees a new process to
independently verify repair work to vehicles before
they are put back on the road," said Cartell.ie
director, Jeff Aherne. |
