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1.5 million NCTs carried out last
year
06.02.16
THE fear of getting
penalty points by Irish drivers last year resulted
in the busiest year on record for the National Car
Test with almost 1.5 million inspections carried
out.
New figures show that 1,492,176 tests were carried
out at NCT centres nationwide last year - a rise of
almost 148,000 on the previous year.
The statistics, released yesterday by NCT operator
Applus along with a new-look website, also show that
more cars failed than passed the test for a fourth
year running.
A total of 756,422 vehicles (50.7 per cent) failed
the test compared to a pass rate of 730,322 (48.9
per cent)
A further 5,432 vehicles (0.4 per cent) were
immediately put off the road by NCT mechanics who
deemed them too dangerous to drive away from the
test centre.
This was 632 more 'fail-dangerous' stickers applied
than 2014.
Since the end of 2014, driving without a valid NCT
disc is a fixed charge motoring offence attracting
three penalty points. |
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The NCT centre in Carndonagh. |
Applus confirmed that
more drivers presented cars for the NCT last year
"mainly due to improved compliance as a result of
changes in law relating to NCT non-compliance".
Spokesperson Sinead McKeon added that the continuing
trend of more cars failing than passing the test was
consistent year-on-year.
And she said the number of cars deemed dangerous was
relatively low when seen against the large number of
vehicles tested overall.
"When you look at this figure in relation to the
total number of vehicles that are inspected annually
the figure is relatively small," said Ms McKeon.
Many Irish drivers continue to use the NCT test as a
diagnostic tool and put cars through the test first
to see what needs fixing in order to get a pass on
the re-test.
Of the 767,675 cars presented for a re-test last
year, 698,376 (90.9 per cent) passed and 68,309 (9
per cent) failed a second time.
Some 990 vehicles (0.1 per cent) were again ruled
unfit to drive after the re-test.
Cars undergoing the NCT last year were 2011, 2009,
2007, 2005 and some older models.
The top failure items were front suspension; brake
line and hoses; headlamp aim; tyre condition and
faulty stop lamps.
The roadworthiness test was introduced here over 15
years ago in line with EU regulations.
It currently costs 55 euro for the test and 28 euro
for the re-test.
Applus' financial results for last year are not yet
finalised however the Spanish firm made an operating
profit of €3.89m on revenues of almost €75m here in
2014. |
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