Written question asked by Mark Durkan (Social Democratic & Labour Party) on Tuesday, 1 November 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 3 November 2005. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Basildon (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 November 2005 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

MOT Vehicle Tests

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what criteria are used in Northern Ireland for MOT vehicle tests; and whether there is a requirement for speedometers to include kilometres per hour as well as miles per hour.

Answer: The criteria used in Northern Ireland for MOT vehicle tests are contained in the Motor Vehicle Testing Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 which specify the class of vehicles subject to testing and the related test items. Schedule 2 of these regulations cites the speedometer as a testable item for Class IV vehicles (motor cars). Regulation 40 of the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999 provides for a motor vehicle to be fitted with a speedometer which indicates speed both in miles per hour and kilometres per hour, either simultaneously or, if required, separately.

Secondary information