Road Safety Authority survey of users of the NCT service

http://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Your-Vehic...n-Notes-Consultations--EU-proposals-/Surveys/

NCTS Review

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is carrying out a review to assess the current arrangements for the National Car Testing Service (NCTS). The NCTS is provided under contract by Applus Car Testing Service Ltd, which is responsible for all aspects of the delivery of the service. The RSA is seeking your input on the current service and on opportunities for further improvement. The RSA wish to hear from those who have positive feedback of the current service and also from those who may have suggestions for improvement. Where you consider changes are necessary, suggestions as to how the current NCTS arrangements can be improved would be welcomed. Please note that this review covers the service as a whole and if you have a specific complaint relating to a vehicle or test, please refer to the normal complaints procedure accessible through www.ncts.ie. We would be grateful if you would complete this feedback form to assist us in understanding the opinions of NCTS customers and other stakeholders. We expect it will take about 10 minutes to complete. Thank you for your time.

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This was advertised in the papers yesterday with a closing date of 18th March, but when I click on it, I get the message:

I can get in...

I was able to go through survey - no issues this morning

OK, it's working for me now.

Overall, it's an excellent service. I have made the following suggestions

1) Text and email reminders are fine, but if someone has not booked a test within 30 days of their NCT expiring, they should be sent a reminder by post
2) As there is a huge seasonal issue due to cars being sold in January, change the requirement for cars between 10 and 15 years old to 18 months .
3) I hadn't realised that there was an Appeals Process. It needs to be advertised more. Maybe put a note on failure notices if it's not there.
4) The carry on about seat belts not being visible should be fixed. The driver should be allowed to fix the problem and be retested instantly.

To alleviate the back log. If the owner volunteers to test earlier than 90 days so that the test date will now be between July and December they get the test done for free. This will help alleviate the congestion at the start of the year. This will not cost too much as it will most likely be a once off as once you are in the July December period you will no longer be entitled to a free test even if you do test early.

Great suggestion. Probably a 50% discount though rather than free.

Check the year when sending out automated reminders. I received a text in December to remind me about my NCT in January next year.