HC Deb 10 April 1986 vol 95 cc161-2W
Mr. Peter Bruinvels

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many Department of Transport test certificates were printed in 1985; and how many tests were undertaken in each of the past three years and to date.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

About 14 million test certificates are printed annually.

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer on the number of tests undertaken given to him on 25 March, at column 419.

Mr. Peter Bruinvels

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what contingency plans there are to enable Department of Transport vehicle tests to be undertaken in the absence of certificates: and if he will make a statement on the availability of test certificates.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

Authorised garages know that they should apply for certificates at least 14 days before their existing stock runs out.

Although regrettably there has been some delay recently in the issue of test certificates to garages, the turnround in the Department has now been reduced to about two days from receipt of application.

If, for any reason, an authorised garage is unable to issue an MoT certificate, a motorist should take his vehicle to another of the 17,000 test centres distributed throughout the country.

Mr. Peter Bruinvels

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects that all licensed garage testing centres will be in possession of MoT certificates.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

Now and always.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

The forecasts for the existing lengths of M40 in the year 2000 are given in the table. They are based on forecasts made in the context of the extension proposals and up-dated to reflect subsequent developments. The ranges show flows on the basis of both low and high growth assumptions.