The testing of vehicles should be put out to the private sector.

That’s the view of some Tynwald members, after concerns were raised over a backlog of inspections for commercial vehicles at the government-run Vehicle Test Centre.

Commercial goods vehicles over 3,500kgs and public passenger vehicles must pass an annual inspection.

Taxi drivers had been forced off the road due to delays in tests, it was claimed.

Juan Turner MLC said the centre was ’under-performing’.

He added: ’It is time it should leave government’s hands and go out to the private sector and allow the market to provide the tests, which should result in a better service for the people trying to get their vehicles, their taxis, commercial vehicles and all the others that need to go through the tests.’

The UK has a different system of inspections, with annual MoT tests for nearly all vehicles, which are carried out by private firms.

There is no annual MoT in the Isle of Man, although, in addition to annual inspections for commercial and passenger vehicles, all imported vehicles must undergo an initial inspection.

Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer said he was ’open’ to Mr Turner’s suggestion, but sounded a note of caution.

options

’We are looking at various options,’ he said. ’But what we need to consider is the fact that the Vehicle Test Centre is independent.

’If we were to then use private, we would then have to regulate. We need to ensure that our standards are high and that is the most important thing.’

Mr Harmer added: ’We have made several changes to how vehicle examinations are booked and work closely with customers to provide the best service possible and will always endeavour to meet their needs if a cancellation becomes available.

’We are also currently undertaking a programme of change as part of the Digital Strategy, which will see online booking becoming a preferred option for our customers.’

Responding to complaints that some taxi and commercial vehicle operators had been forced to wait four weeks for a test, Mr Harmer pointed out annual inspections should not come as a surprise.

’Whatever system is used, the expectation that you can turn up and be tested on the day is a false expectation,’ he added.

’We need to remember that most people know when their annual inspection is coming up. They know the previous year when it is coming up. Therefore, they can plan appropriately.’

David Ashford (Douglas North) said there were times when it was not possible to plan ahead, such as when a vehicle broke down and a replacement was required.