§ Mr. ArbuthnotTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the purpose of the annual inspection of cars aged five years and over; and what are the statutory responsibilities of car owners.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe annual visual inspection of vehicles by officers of the Department of the Environment is to ensure that on the date of inspection the requirements of the Construction and Use Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1976 are complied with.
This does not absolve the owner/user from his obligation, under article 29 of the Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1981, to ensure that the vehicle complies at all times in all respects with the Construction and Use Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1976.
The issue of a vehicle test certificate should not be relied upon as indicating the condition of particular test items of the vehicle other than at the moment of issue.