§ Andrew MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether cars registered in Northern Ireland but whose MOT vehicle test certificate has expired due to industrial action by Civil Servants in Northern Ireland will be exempt from prosecution whilst travelling in England; and if he will make a statement. [184761]
§ Angela SmithThe Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency (DVTA), which is responsible for vehicle testing, has been keeping in contact with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) regarding the legal obligations for motorists during the current period of industrial action.
The PSNI has advised that it will not prosecute a motorist whose MOT certificate has expired provided they have evidence to show that they have maintained their vehicle in a roadworthy condition and have applied to the DVTA for a vehicle test. The PSNI remind motorists of the need to keep their vehicles in a roadworthy condition at all times and have indicated that they may prosecute in cases where this has not been done. However, all relevant circumstances will be taken into account before deciding whether to prosecute.
Police forces throughout GB are being kept informed of the situation in NI, and it is expected that they will adopt a similar approach.
A vehicle does not require a certificate when it is being driven to an MOT centre for a pre-arranged test.
In the meantime the legislative process is now under way to provide temporary exemption for cars and motorcycles to allow these vehicles to be taxed and registered in Northern Ireland and to be driven legally anywhere in the United Kingdom It is anticipated that certificates of temporary exemption, valid for up to six months, will be available from mid August 2004.