Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has welcomed confirmation from senior local gardaí that motorists who have been unable to secure an NCT appointment before their current certificate lapses but have booked a test will not fall foul of the law given that their vehicle remains roadworthy.

Speaking after this morning’s Joint Policing Committee in County Hall, Teachta Crowe said:

“After attending a Joint Policing Committee in County Hall this morning, I was able to speak to senior local gardaí about the delays that many motorists are experiencing regarding delays and difficulties in securing an NCT appointment.

“Many local residents had come to me worried that they would be forced to take their car off the road for fear of being stopped by a garda and not having a valid test certificate.

“I was very pleased to hear that the gardaí will be taking a common-sense approach to people who have a test booked, but were unable to secure an appointment for a date before their previous test lapsed.

“All motorists in this position must ensure that they have proof of their NCT appointment in the car at all times.

“The gardaí also made pains to mention however that all cars on the road must be roadworthy and that gardaí will still be vigilant for road traffic hazards such as bald tyres or missing lights.

“I recently wrote to Minister Eamon Ryan highlighting the concerns that surround the weeks and even months long delays in securing NCT appointments and the inconvenience this is posing to people trying to book tests.”