Waiver allows vehicles untested for roadworthiness back on the streets

Vehicles which have not been tested for roadworthiness are being allowed back on to the streets - with new tax discs - thanks to a new waiver introduced by the Department of the Environment and Local Government.

The measure was described by a spokeswoman for the Department as temporary and would be reviewed in the new year.

It was introduced last week to allow drivers circumvent massive waiting lists at National Car Testing (NCT) centres, which have seen a surge in demand for their services in the run-up to Christmas.

This is the second time the Department has lifted the requirement for vehicles to undergo, and pass, the roadworthiness test before they can be taxed.

The first waiver was introduced following an industrial dispute at NCT centres last January. It elapsed on November 1st.

However, NCT Services Ltd subsequently indicated it was unable to cope with a new wave of applications for testing ahead of the Christmas period when there will be a higher Garda presence on the streets checking for compliance with tax licensing laws.

The company's public relations officer, Ms Samantha Breen, said it was still trying to clear the backlog created by the industrial dispute earlier this year.

An estimated 380,000 letters were sent out by the company this year instructing drivers to bring their cars in for testing.

However, said Ms Breen, "about 50,000 did not show up, for whatever reason, and we are now seeing these people rushing in to get their cars tested, and all are saying they need it done by tomorrow".

The company normally advised drivers to bring their cars in for testing at least four weeks before the taxation renewal date.

"It seems, however, people are desperate to get in before Christmas because they are worried about being stopped by the guards" she said.

"It does seem like we are rewarding people who did not show up, but it was a mutual decision between the Department and the NCT to introduce this ".

The Department spokeswoman stressed the waiver did not mean people could avoid undergoing the NCT test.

The non-display of an NCT disc was an offence, and while no one had yet been prosecuted for non-display, prosecutions could follow where no attempt was made to undergo the test, or where a driver was in control of an unroadworthy vehicle.

"It is anticipated the backlog will be cleared by January, and this measure will be reviewed then," the spokeswoman added.

Ms Breen said as far as the NCT was aware there were provisions within the statutory instrument establishing the test allowing such a waiver.

However, the Department was unable to confirm this last night.

During the latest period of the waiver, drivers can tax their vehicles for three, six or 12 months.

Asked whether the ongoing waiver had undermined the credibility of the test, Ms Breen replied: "We have had our problems this year but we hope next year will be a fresh start".