The Ministry of Public Works and Transportation issued the findings of the preliminary report titled “Privatising Vehicle Inspection Stations to be Managed by Public-Private Cooperation” with the aim or improving the quality of vehicle tests by setting common minimum standards for equipment , training of inspectors and assessment of deficiencies. The report explains the reasons behind the need for a structural adjustment in vehicle inspection (MOT), currently run by the Police General Directorate. Thi need derived from the findings of the report which said inspection stations lacked necessary regulations, infrastructure, equipment and qualified personnel which in turn had a negative impact on traffic safety.
There are currently five inspection stations operating under the Police General Directorate Vehicle Inspection Branch. These are located in Lefkoşa, Gazimağusa, Girne, Güzelyurt and İskele. According to the report, while only the stations in Lefkoşa and Girne had a weighing machine and an inspection pit, they lacked necessary equipment and devices needed to pursue a thorough vehicle check-up and trained experts and technicians. On the other hand, inspection stations in Güzelyurt, Gazimağusa and İskele are only composed of an office used by inspectors.
The report said it could be confirmed that the level of vehicle inspection service in the TRNC was way below established international standards, which could be seen by looking at traffic accidents made by heavy vehicles and the number of lives lost in these accidents.
THE NEW STRUCTURE
The report indicated that with the new structure, which aim to maximise road safety, vehicle inspection stations will be able to conduct:
- Directive 2014/45/EU periodic roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles and their trailers.
- Directive 2014/47/EU technical roadside inspection of the roadworthiness of commercial vehicles.
- Directive 2014/46/EU standard status of registration documents for vehicles.
The stations which will be built will also have to conform to the terms of the international tender to be opened and TS EN ISO/IEC 17020:2012-06 Terms of Management and Accreditation.
The target, according to the report, is to set up four fully equipped vehicle inspection stations in 5,000 square meter plots.
With the new structure, depending on class and weight, 66 - 107 parts of vehicles will be checked with state of the art equipment. These are:
- Breaking systems: 17-27 parts
- Stearing and control wheel: 3-4 parts
- Visibility Qualification: 2-5 parts
- Lights, Reflectors and Electronic Hardware: 10-22 parts
- Axle shafts, wheels, tyres, suspension: 3 parts
- Chassis and Chassis Connections: 6-12 parts
- Other hardware: 6-9 parts
- Noise and Pollution: 12-16 parts
- Five extra spots for public transportation vehicles
- Vehicle Identification: 2 parts
APPOINTMENT SYSTEM AND NOTIFICATIONS THROUGH SMS
The new structure will also contain a website, a call centre and self-service appointment kiosks to be set at inspection stations. Complaints will be managed through the call centre which will also provide information with regards to the inspections and appointment support. The appointments for inspections will be reminded to vehicle owners through SMS.
The report concluded that setting up a vehicle inspection system that will operate within international standards will have significant impact in increasing road safety and protecting lives.
In order to set up such a system, the report said an international tender will be opened to choose the contractor company on the basis of a “build operate transfer” model. Meaning that the contracting company will make the necessary investments, run the operation and hand it over to the state after a certain period of time. The new structure will also be based on a model where the revenue will be shared by the contracting company and the state.