Quarter fail the test
Page 20
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• In the first three months of compulsory testing of goods vehicles at Ministry stations the failure rate was a fraction short of 25 per cent. Figures published on Monday by the Ministry show that of 30,459 goods vehicles tested by the end of December, only 22,972 received certificates. This figure (relating to pre-1961 vehicles) includes re-tests.
The "pass" percentage for these older vehicles was nevertheless higher than the figures obtained for all types of goods vehicle during the voluntary testing phase last year, when only about 29 per cent were completely free from defects.
No break-down of the latest test figures is yet available but we publish here a revealing Ministry sample taken over a week in December.
The Ministry has reminded operators in England and Wales that from the end of this month it will be illegal to use a pre1958 goods vehicle weighing over 30 cwt, but not more than three tons unladen, without plating and test certificates and a Ministry plate. Applications should now be made for vehicles first registered during 1958. 1959 and 1960.
Scottish operators should now make application for the testing of pre-1958 vehicles over 30 cwt but not exceeding 3 tons unladen, while in England, Scotland and Wales applications should be made for the testing of trailers built in 1959 and 1960.