A resource for journalists providing up-to-date press releases, images and contact details for our press room.

RSA Launches Public Consultation on Vintage Vehicle Roadworthiness Testing

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has today Wednesday 15 October launched a public consultation and is seeking feedback from interested parties on proposals relating to the roadworthiness testing of vintage vehicles.

RSA policy, to save lives and prevent injuries by reducing the number and severity of collisions on the road, is to require as many vehicle categories as possible to undergo periodic roadworthiness testing. This is a preventative measure which helps ensure that vehicles using our roads are in sound working order.

Therefore, in accordance with Action 59 of the government’s 2013-2020 Road Safety Strategy, the RSA is reviewing the roadworthiness testing of vintage vehicles to determine the safety case and cost benefits if any for inclusion in roadworthiness testing.

A public consultation has been launched which contains a number of proposals concerning the future roadworthiness testing requirements for such vehicles in Ireland.

The RSA now wishes to hear from vintage vehicles owners, clubs, associations and members of the public who may have views, advice or suggestions on the proposals.

This feedback will be considered in finalising recommendations on future policy in this area for the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.

A summary of the proposals set out in the consultation document is as follows:

All vehicles used for commercial purposes (regardless of age) will continue to be required to undergo compulsory testing.

The standards to which all pre 1980 registered vehicles are inspected against will be reviewed to ensure they reflect those to which such vehicles were originally built.

The owners/operators of vintage vehicles who are not legally obliged to have them tested but who wish to submit them for voluntary testing for insurance / road safety purposes will be accommodated at both the network of NCT and CVRT Test Centres (as appropriate).

Finally, a number of options are being considered for providing an exemption from the requirement to undergo compulsory roadworthiness testing for vintage vehicles used for social and domestic purposes only first registered either; prior to 1st January 1960, prior to 1st January 1980, on becoming 40 years old, or, on becoming 30 years old.

The consultation document can be viewed on the consultation section of the RSA website at www.rsa.ie , which also includes instructions on how to submit feedback.

The closing date for receipt of submissions is Friday 14 November 2014.

Response forms should be e-mailed to: [email protected] or posted to:

Vintage Vehicles Consultation Vehicle Standards Section, Road Safety Authority, Moy Valley Business Park, Primrose Hill, Ballina, Co. Mayo.