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New twist in NI test centre strike farce
Page 9
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THE FARCICAL situation created by strike-closed vehicle test stations in Northern Ireland is threatening to become even more ludicrous with the news that temporary certificates issued to operators will not be valid outside the UK. Nine of Northern Ireland's test stations have been closed by a strike for the past three weeks and the Department of the Environment (DE) had begun issuing Temporary Exemption Certificates, allowing firms to continue to operate trucks that
are overdue for their tests. But the DE confirmed this week that the certificates will not be valid for journeys outside the UK. So any Northern Irish hauliers heading into the Republic of Ireland could be risking prosecution — and be left without insurance cover.
The Freight Transport Association wrote to Environment Minister Ian Pearson on 19 May seeking clarification of the certificates' status, but he has yet to reply. TomWilson,the FTA's Northern Ireland manager, wrote: "Compli
ance with proper testing and vehicle tax are also a requirement by most insurance companies, and anyone using a vehicle without, runs a high risk of being refused insurance cover in the event of theft or accidental damage. "Unfortunately, the advice bulletins issued by DVTA give little comfort to commercial vehicle operators, especially those engaged on international journeys where there is a strong possibility of prosecution for noncompliance. Turning a blind eye is neither sensible nor responsible
and the implications for road safety are serious, to say the least." Although a DE spokesperson says anyone making an international journey would be given priority in testing,
Wilson says most operators in Northern Ireland did not realise that journeys to Eire were legally considered international journeys, adding: "What happens if there's a major accident, there's people killed or badly injured, and the insurance company wants a way out?" he asks."I would not be certain what way a court would rule."