Guernsey Press

Covid pandemic a major factor in delays to MOT-style testing

DELAYS to an MOT-style testing regime for vehicles have been confirmed.

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Back in November 2020, Environment & Infrastructure indicated the timetable initially agreed by the States was likely to be delayed because of the pandemic and that this would form part of discussions with shortlisted bidders. (29315854)

Uncertainty around the ongoing impacts of the pandemic has been a ‘major factor’ in delaying the programme in Guernsey, according to officials.

‘The uncertainty surrounding the ongoing impacts of Covid-19 has been a major factor which has conspired to delay plans to establish a regime of testing in Guernsey that meets, as a minimum, the requirements of the Vienna Convention for the periodic technical inspection of motor vehicles and trailers,’ said Traffic & Highway Services.

‘The deadline for initial tender bids and subsequent clarifications was subsequently extended.

‘It would therefore be premature at this stage to suggest when a revised timeframe for a programme of vehicle testing is likely to be introduced but full details will be made public at the appropriate time.’

The Guernsey Motor Trade Association said it had not been advised directly of any delay by the States of Guernsey and as far as it was concerned the tender process for the future introduction has started, with initial responses being submitted by any interested parties.

‘That said I am sure the latest Covid-19 lockdown will have had a slight impact, however the initial date for the inspection of domestic use cars was 2023, and in our opinion this still provides plenty of time for a suitable Guernsey solution to be found and agreed to meet this date for the commencement of inspections,’ said GMTA president Robert Cornelius.

Back in November 2020, Environment & Infrastructure indicated the timetable initially agreed by the States was likely to be delayed because of the pandemic and that this would form part of discussions with shortlisted bidders.

E&I also said at that time that testing of cars and light vans (under 3.5 tonnes) would commence at five years old and then every three years thereafter. Motorcycles would be at three years and then every two years thereafter with commercial vehicles (over 3.5 tonnes) annually.

Inspection of public service vehicles like buses was included, with that first phase already introduced. Phase two, which was to be introduced by 1 April, covers inspections for vehicles of a certain age travelling into the EU and for second-hand or ‘not new’ vehicles of a certain age being imported into Guernsey.

Phase three, originally due to start in April 2023, covers the inspection of all motor vehicles being used on island.