NCT a ‘money racket’ - O'Reilly

A Cavan independent councillor has called on Transport Minister, Eamon Ryan, to immediately rescind and postpone the implementation of new NCT criterion. Cllr Shane P O’Reilly made the call in a notice of motion at the September meeting of the authority.

Several changes to the National Car Test (NCT) came into effect on June 21. The changes saw Ireland commence the use of On-Board Diagnostics (OBD), testing under EU Roadworthiness Directive.

The NCT service will introduce OBD testing on a phased basis in the NCT. The NCT OBD scanner will scan the OBD system for: Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), Odometer Reading, Electronic Braking System (EBS), and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

When an OBD error code is detected, it will result in the vehicle receiving an advisory pass provided the vehicle passes on all other items being assessed.

From early 2022, when an error code is detected, this may constitute a reason for failure.

Cllr O’Reilly said the changes are simply “hitting car owners in the pocket” and suggested that the NCT was a “money racket”.

“Year on year vehicle safety is increasing. The day of a person going around with a car held together with bailing twine are long gone,” he said at the meeting. “This is more money going out of the pockets of families that can ill afford it.”

The motion was seconded by Cllr TP O’Reilly (FG).