HC Deb 15 June 2004 vol 422 cc889-90W
Mr. Donaldson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to assist motorists and hauliers whose MOT and PSV tests have been postponed as a result of industrial action by civil servants and who are unable to tax their vehicles. [178856]

Angela Smith

The Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency (DVTA), which is responsible for vehicle testing, has taken a range of measures to alleviate the impact of industrial action. These include contacting customers directly affected and, where possible, offering alternative appointments; maximising the use of the capacity available at other test centres; redeploying staff from non-urgent duties; and cancelling non-essential training.

DVTA has also introduced temporary exemption certificates for goods vehicles, to mitigate the difficulties for the commercial sector. A temporary exemption certificate allows a vehicle to be used on the road without a goods vehicle test certificate for up to three months from the date of issue. It does not alter the responsibility of the owner or operator to maintain the vehicle in a roadworthy condition. The use of temporary exemption certificates has freed up capacity for the testing of vehicles in priority categories such as ambulances and public service vehicles.

DVTA has also been keeping in contact with the Police Service for Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland (DVLNI) regarding the implications for motorists. The law is very clear: technically it is an offence to drive a vehicle without a valid MOT certificate, and it is an offence to use or keep an unlicensed vehicle on a public road. However, PSNI and DVLNI are aware of the difficulties and have advised that for the moment each case will be considered on its merits. They have also indicated that all relevant circumstances will be taken into account before anyone is prosecuted. The agency has also been in touch with the Association of British Insurers, who have indicated that in most cases motorists affected by industrial action will continue to be covered by their insurance policies. However, they have also advised those affected to check the detail of their policies and also to make direct contact with their insurers.

Longer term measures under active consideration include temporary exemption certificates for cars and making alternative arrangements for vehicle testing.