§ Mr. Hindasked the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has on vehicle testing arrangements in other European Community countries.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyTesting arrangements for heavy goods vehicles and large passenger vehicles are governed by the EC road worthiness directive (77/1 43/EEC), under which these vehicles must be tested annually starting one year after first use. The arrangements for cars and light goods vehicles are set out in the table.
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Comparison of car and light goods vehicle testing in EC countries Countries with (or in process of introducing) testing schemes First test after Frequency thereafter Additional testing Nature of testing stations After serious accidents On change of ownership Belgium Four years Annually Yes Yes Independent test centres Denmark No annual testing No Yes if over five years old Government test centres Germany Three years Every two years No No Independent and government test centres Italy Two years Every five years No No Government test centres Luxembourg Three and a half years Annually Yes Yes Government test centres Netherlands Three years Annually Yes No Authorised garages United Kingdom: (1) Great Britain Three years Annually No No Authorised garages (2) Northern Ireland Six years (ears) Annually No No Government test centres One year (light goods vehicles) Annually No No Government test centres Other countries:
France: Considering introducing testing for vehicles involved in serious accidents and vehicles over five years old at change of ownership.
Greece: Considering testing of vehicles every two years in government test centres.
Ireland: Considering scheme on British model.
Portugal and Spain: No annual testing—not known if considering anything.