The National Car Test Service is in crisis with 375,000 vehicles currently late for their NCT, the Oireachtas transport committee heard today.
That’s 170,000 above the norm for this time of year.
NCT operator Applus blamed the Covid backlog, understaffing and no-shows for the unprecedented delay.
Fianna Fáil TD James O’Connor said he was disappointed and angry at the current situation and said the deficit amounted to a “crisis”.
Applus told the committee that 3,500 clients miss appointments each week.
2,500 vehicles do not show up, while 1,000 cancel just before the test.
Mark Synnott, Managing Director of Applus, said this caused customers to repeat the booking process repeatedly, lengthening delivery times and increasing waiting lists.
The company also blamed a fleet of aging vehicles for growing test demand.
As for staffing, Mr Synott said a shortage of skilled mechanics is contributing to the problems.
The company had unsuccessfully attempted to hire staff across Europe, instead sending a team to the Philippines to hire 44 workers who arrived in October.
A plan to have new employees complete the automated portion of the test fell through after a vote on an employment tribunal recommendation.
The Transport Safety Agency, which oversees the service, said it had suspended the obligation to provide free tests following delays during Covid-19.
This requirement was reinstated last October, but no free trials have been provided to date.
Mr. Synnott said there is a reduction next week with the St. Bridget public holiday, meaning 500 vehicles are likely to receive free tests.
The RSA also said it was having intense discussions with Applus over service level agreement failures.
Chief operating officer Brendan Walsh said he disagreed on the interpretation of that statement and that independent counsel may need to be consulted to resolve the dispute.
A motorist told The Liberal that they were unsure on whether to get behind the wheel or not at the prospect of risking penalty points. However, it’s understood that gardai are allowing such vehicles be driven as long as a test has been booked.
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