AQW 4554/11-15

Mr Stewart Dickson
Alliance Party
East Antrim

Tabled Date: 15/11/2011
Answered On Date: 12/12/2011
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of the Environment, in relation to the proposed changes to MOT tests, whether any financial support will be made available for small automobile repair shops to invest in the technology necessary to prepare vehicles for the proposed revised MOT test.

Answer:

The proposed changes to MOT tests are required by European Commission Roadworthiness Directive 2009/40/EC (as amended). The Department must implement such Directives to avoid possible infraction proceedings and resultant fines.

The MOT test changes include checks of malfunction indicator lights. The majority of established repair shops have the diagnostic equipment and systems required to ensure that they can deal with auto-electronic system failures or have arrangements for diagnostic equipment to be accessed. The Department has no plans at present to make financial support available for small repair businesses to assist in purchase of such equipment.

The new tests do not apply to all vehicles. Those that do so relate to electronic safety and warning systems and vehicle construction and use. However, a number of new test items apply only to goods vehicles, buses and trailers, such as additional braking devices. At the same time, a number of test items are being upgraded to ensure that vehicles are properly maintained and tested. This will make a significant contribution to road safety and environmental protection.